Finance Assistant – Leighton Buzzard

Finance Assistant – c£30,000-£35,000+ Study support – 100% office based, Leighton Buzzard

Abacus Consulting are delighted to be partnering a successful SME business in their search for a Finance Assistant.

This is a newly created role that will be based at their Leighton Buzzard site.

The role is a blend of transactional finance and accounting, mainly on the management accounts side.

As the Finance Assistant your duties are likely to include:–

• Processing Accounts Payable invoices
• Supplier statement reconciliations
• Credit Control and cash allocation 
• Accruals and Prepayments 
• Journals 
• Fixed Assets 
• Balance sheet recs 
• Management accounts preparation
• Variance analysis 
• Manage finance inbox 
• Finance query resolution
• Provide support to finance team/Finance Manager 

The role is aimed at candidates with transactional experience looking for a step up. Will also consider candidates who are already working in management accounts. A degree in accounting/finance would be useful, in addition to actively studying AAT, CIMA or ACCA

A progressive role with Study support and 100% office based.

Finance Assistant – Hemel Hempstead

Finance Assistant, Hemel Hempstead, £25,000-£30,000 depending on experience, plus study support – 100% office based 

Abacus Consulting are delighted to be partnering a well established business in their search for a Finance Assistant, The role has arisen due to internal promotion.

They offer accounting and back office support to clients.

Working as part of a team in a busy and fast paced environment, your duties as the Finance Assistant are likely to include:-

• Assist with management accounts prep
• Month and end of year accounts submission
• Bookkeeping
• VAT/CIS returns
• Payroll
• Accounts management and query resolution

The Finance Assistant role is aimed at candidates with at least 1-2 years experience in accounting/finance, ideally AAT studier with accountancy practice experience.

The role is 100% office based. Study support is likely to be on offer for the right candidate.

Quantity Surveyor – Wellingborough

Quantity Surveyor, fast growing construction business, Wellingborough – up to £40,000

We are working with a growing SME construction company who are looking for a Quantity Surveyor with strong bid and tender writing experience to join their business. This role will focus on preparing high-quality tender submissions, cost estimates, and supporting the successful delivery of construction projects.

Key Responsibilities as Quantity Surveyor:

• Using various tender portals, apply to win new business
• Prepare and submit compelling bids, tenders, and pricing documents
• Analyse drawings, specifications, and tender requirements
• Develop cost estimates and pricing strategies
• Manage subcontractor enquiries and procurement support
• Review contracts and identify commercial risks
• Support cost control, valuations, and project reporting

Requirements:

• Strong IT skills and experience with Tender portals
• Proven QS experience with strong bid/tender writing skills
• Excellent commercial awareness and attention to detail
• Strong written communication and ability to meet deadlines

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward thinking, growing business and take a new role that can be made your own. If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Qualified Financial Analyst – Luton

Interim Qualified Financial Analyst – Advanced Excel essential, c 2 months, Luton/hybrid, £400 per day

Qualified Financial Analyst – Luton (Hybrid Contract Role)

We are seeking a highly skilled Financial Analyst to join an instantly recognisable brand based in central Luton. This short-term contract is ideal for an experienced analyst with strong technical ability, excellent Excel proficiency, and a solid grounding in core financial processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform detailed balance sheet analysis and reconciliations
• Support budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis
• Manage accruals and period-end processes
• Build and maintain high-quality Excel models
• Deliver insightful financial reporting to support decision-making
• Collaborate effectively within a hybrid finance team

Requirements:

• Qualified Accountant Financial Analyst
• Must be based locally – Luton or surrounding areas – due to essential on-site work
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, modelling, data manipulation)
• Strong understanding of balance sheets, budgets, forecasting and accruals
• Ability to operate confidently within a fast-paced, well-known organisation
• Available for a mid-March start on a 2-month contract

On offer:

• Work with a widely recognised and respected brand
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement with essential access to the Luton office
• Opportunity to make a measurable impact in a dynamic finance environment

Senior Business Accountant – High Wycombe

Senior Business Accountant – £55,000-£70,000 – High Wycombe (with weekly travel to Bedford)

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join a successful, internationally operating organisation as a Senior Business Accountant. This is a key position within the UK finance function, offering the chance to take ownership of core accounting operations, drive improvements, and play a pivotal role in supporting business performance.

The role is primarily based in High Wycombe, with weekly travel to their Bedford site.

The Opportunity:

This position is ideal for a detail‑driven, proactive finance professional who enjoys a hands‑on role and wants to make a real impact. Working closely with the UK Financial Controller, you will lead the accounting function, deliver accurate and timely financial reporting, manage cash flow, oversee audits, and ensure full regulatory compliance.

You will also manage a small finance team, support continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to strategic decision‑making across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the month‑end close process, producing and analysing management accounts, P&L, balance sheet, reconciliations, trial balance and KPI reporting
• Oversee day‑to‑day finance operations including payroll, journals, accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, bank management and cash‑flow analysis
• Manage and develop the UK Finance team, setting objectives, reviewing performance and providing training and mentoring
• Produce and distribute business metrics and overhead reporting, challenging managers on performance and improvement opportunities
• Manage payroll and pensions processes, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Lead the external audit process and support statutory and tax submissions, including preparation of UK to US GAAP schedules
• Review and enhance financial processes and controls, identifying and implementing best practice
• Prepare and submit VAT, P11D and other regulatory returns
• Monitor stock levels and usage, supporting stock and SLOB management
• Maintain weekly bank reconciliations and oversee receipts and payments
• Review sales and purchase ledgers to ensure accuracy and performance
• Provide ad‑hoc financial analysis and decision support to managers
• Deputise for the Financial Controller when required

About You:

Essential Qualifications

• Fully Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA (or equivalent) Accountant
• Minimum 5 years’ post‑qualification experience

Essential Experience & Skills

• At least 3 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of UK GAAP
• Experience with import/export processes and compliance
• Excellent analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to write clear reports and process documentation
• Proactive, self‑motivated and a strong team player
• Able to build strong working relationships across the business

Desirable

• Experience with SAP ERP
• Exposure to multi‑site operations
• Experience working with US‑owned businesses and UK to US GAAP
• Advanced Excel skills
• Experience with European or overseas intercompany activity

Additional Information

• On‑site presence at UK locations is expected, with some flexibility for home working once established
• Occasional travel to European or US offices may be required
• Additional hours may be needed during peak periods
• Flexibility and willingness to support the wider finance team is essential

Interim Financial Controller – Luton

Interim Financial Controller – Luton – c£400 per day – Fast Growing FMCG Business – 3 Months+ 

A leading organisation is seeking an experienced Interim Financial Controller to support the business through a critical period of transition. This is a hands‑on, fast‑paced role suited to a confident finance leader who can quickly take control of core financial operations, provide stability, and drive improvements from day one. Xero software experience is essential.

This assignment is initially 3 months, with strong potential to extend well beyond this initial time frame.

The Role:

The Interim Financial Controller will take ownership of the day‑to‑day finance function, ensuring accurate reporting, robust controls and effective team leadership. You’ll work closely with senior management to provide clear financial insight, support decision‑making and maintain compliance across all statutory and regulatory areas.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced interim who thrives in environments where they can make an immediate impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function, ensuring smooth month‑end, quarter‑end and year‑end processes
• Produce accurate and timely management accounts, financial statements and board‑level reporting
• Oversee cash‑flow management, forecasting and working capital performance
• Strengthen financial controls, processes and governance
• Manage and mentor the finance team, providing guidance and stability
• Support external audits and statutory submissions
• Ensure compliance with VAT, PAYE and other regulatory requirements
• Provide financial insight and analysis to support strategic and operational decisions
• Drive process improvements and efficiency initiatives across the finance function
• Act as a key business partner to senior leadership during a period of change

About You:

• Fully Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager
• Strong background in managing month‑end, reporting and financial controls
• Comfortable leading a small team and stabilising finance functions during transition
• Able to hit the ground running in a hands‑on environment
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels
• Strong analytical mindset with a proactive, solutions‑focused approach
• Experience in FMCG environment highly desirable
• Xero experience and strong Excel is a must have

Additional Information

• Immediate or short‑notice availability required
• 3‑month contract with potential extension
• On Site location
• Competitive day rate depending on experience

Procurement Lead – Milton Keynes

Procurement Lead – CIPS Qualified – Milton Keynes/Hybrid – to £60,000

Our client, a well-established and highly reputable professional services organisation, are seeking a Procurement Lead. The focus of the role is to deliver Procurement services to assigned business areas and support business areas to manage their third parties.

As the Procurement Lead – your responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with the business to deliver commercial benefit and supplier performance improvements.
• Lead the delivery of end-to-end Procurement activity for assigned business areas.
• Negotiations of contracts with suppliers, working with legal counsel where needed.
• Support product owners in development of SLAs.
• Ensure the organisation’s requirements are clearly articulated to support suppliers.

We are looking for individuals who are fully qualified in CIPS and have experience in IT Services and Professional Services.  Looking for someone who is highly IT literate and holds a good knowledge of the IT software industry and best practice in dealing with suppliers.

You will need to be a confident communicator, who can be proactive, as well as having strong negotiation skills when dealing with suppliers, and self-motivated with the ability to work to tight deadlines as required by the senior management team.

Senior Management Accountant – 6 months FTC – Luton

Senior Management Accountant, 6 months contract, Luton, to £65,000 per annum

We are currently working with an exciting client that has an opportunity for an individual who’s an experienced Senior Management Accountant to join their finance team in Luton on a 6 months fixed term contract.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled finance professional who thrives on leading teams, driving financial excellence, and promoting continuous improvement within a values-driven organisation.

In this role, the Senior Management Accountant will support with offering scope for growth and flexibility as the business continues to evolve.

Job Description:

• Leading the weekly, month-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Preparing management accounts, board packs, departmental reports, and detailed analysis of head office spend.
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Providing financial analysis and insights to support decision-making across the business.
• Monitoring business costs and driving efficiency improvements.
• Reviewing and supporting payment processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Ensuring robust financial controls and compliance with statutory regulations.
• Managing cash flow and supporting treasury and banking relationships.
• Liaising with external auditors and overseeing the annual audit process.
• Acting as a business partner to operational and departmental leads, presenting financial information clearly and effectively.
• Mentoring and developing junior team members.
• Contributing to finance transformation and other strategic projects.

My client is looking for:

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification, or qualified by experience.
• Proven experience in a similar role, or a strong candidate making a first move from practice.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and self-management skills.
• Have proficiency in using financial systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to cope under pressure and deliver during periods of change.
• A flexible, pro-active and willing approach and be comfortable working within a team.
• An innovative and inquisitive mind to challenge and improve existing and new process and controls.
• Are a self-starter with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• You’ll be well organised, and able to prioritise work based on urgency.
• Possess a strong understanding of financial and accounting principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

If this sounds like you and you’re looking for a fulfilling role that makes a genuine impact on the whole business, this contract role could be just for you.

Client Services Manager – Luton

Client Accounts Manager, Accountancy Practice, Luton, £50,000-£60,000

Abacus Consulting are delighted to be partnering a well-respected accountancy practice. They are looking for a Client Accounts Manager for their Luton office.

You will be responsible for a client portfolio with revenues of circa £300k-£500k

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years’ experience working their way up within UK accountancy practice and held senior roles. You will be confident managing a team on a day to day basis, maintaining existing client relationships and onboarding new clients.

In addition to the above the expectation is that candidates will be ACA/ACCA qualified, or close to completion.

Any experience of cloud based accounting would be useful.

Audit Senior – Bedford

Audit Senior, growing Accountancy Practice, Bedford, £45,000 – £50,000

Abacus Consulting are delighted to be partnering a well respected accountancy practice in the Bedford area.

They are looking for an Audit Senior to join the team.

You will work across a diverse portfolio of clients, planning and delivering audit engagements, supporting juniors, and partnering closely with managers and clients

The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years experience working their way up within UK accountancy practice and will specifically have proven audit experience.

In addition to the above the expectation is that candidates will be actively studying ACA or ACCA, close to completion.