Evolve Minds - Senior Finance Manager - CA

Description: We are seeking a Senior Finance Manager to lead the Finance function end-to-end, with full ownership of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and Payroll Operations. This role will act as the finance lead and strategic partner to the Managing Director, driving financial governance, performance visibility, and decision support across the business.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on financial control, and will oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, management reporting, payroll governance, compliance, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Department Leadership & Governance:

- Lead and own the Finance function, including FP&A, Payroll, Accounting Operations, Credit Control, and Compliance.

- Establish strong financial governance, controls, policies, and best practices across the organization.

- Build, lead, and develop the finance and payroll teams, ensuring high performance, accountability, and continuity.

- Act as the primary finance point of contact for senior leadership and key stakeholders.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Core Ownership:

- Own the annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, and long-term financial planning processes.

- Develop and maintain advanced financial models to assess business scenarios, growth initiatives, pricing, margins, and cost optimization.

- Provide strategic decision support to the Managing Director on investments, resource allocation, and business expansion.

- Conduct detailed variance analysis, identifying risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.

- Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-finance stakeholders.

Management Reporting & Performance Insights:

- Design and deliver monthly management packs, dashboards, KPIs, and performance analysis.

- Monitor profitability, margins, consultant productivity, and operational efficiency.

- Track business performance against weekly, monthly, and annual targets.

- Present financial insights, trends, and recommendations to leadership.

Payroll Leadership & Compliance:

- Own and oversee weekly payroll operations for all temporary agency staff and internal payroll.

- Ensure full compliance with PAYE, NIC, pensions, VAT, HMRC, and statutory regulations.

- Act as the final escalation point for all payroll-related issues and queries.

- Ensure payroll accuracy, timeliness, and robust controls.

- Lead relationships with external payroll providers and regulatory bodies.

Accounting, Cash Flow & Financial Control:

- Oversee bookkeeping operations including sales and purchase ledgers.

- Review and approve journals, accruals, prepayments, and reconciliations.

- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of P&L, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

- Own cash flow forecasting, working capital management, and margin analysis.

- Lead credit control, debt management, and cash collection strategies.

Systems, Process Improvement & Automation:

- Own finance systems (Xero and related tools) and drive process improvements and automation.

- Partner with IT on financial system integrations and reporting enhancements.

- Continuously improve accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of finance and payroll processes.

Stakeholder Management:

- Act as a trusted finance partner to leadership, consultants, customers, and suppliers.

- Build credibility and influence across the organization through strong commercial insight and communication.

Person Specification:

Essential:

- Extensive experience in FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling.

- Strong end-to-end accounting knowledge (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow).

- Proven experience leading payroll operations in a regulated environment.

- Advanced proficiency in Excel and accounting systems (Xero preferred).

- Strong leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred:

- CA / CIMA qualified or part-qualified (strongly preferred)

- Experience in recruitment, staffing, or services-led businesses.

- Experience working with UK payroll, VAT, and compliance frameworks.

Core Competencies:

- Strategic thinking and commercial acumen

- Leadership and people management

- Planning, prioritisation, and execution

- Ability to perform under pressure in fast-paced environments

- Strong ethical standards and attention to detail

Additional Information:

- This position is based in Gurugram

- Candidates must be willing to work in Gurugram and commute as necessary

- Opportunities for professional development and growth.

- Health and wellness benefits.

- Working Days Mon to Fri (Afternoon shift) UK Hours

- Negotiable salary (Based on previous experience and CTC)