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Finance Executive (Future Financial Controller Pathway)
Salary: £28,000 - £34,000 per year (dependent on experience)
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ABOUT PROACTIVE GROUP
Proactive Group (PAG) is a growing South East London-based services group operating across four divisions: Proactive Facilities Management, Proactive Construction Management, Proactive Cleaners, and Extreme Cleaning.
With a portfolio of commercial clients and active projects across the UK, PAG is scaling rapidly and building the operational and financial infrastructure required to support its next phase of growth.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-paced, entrepreneurial business where your work will have direct visibility at senior leadership level and where your contribution will genuinely matter.
THE ROLE
We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Finance Executive to take ownership of the day-to-day finance function across the Proactive Group.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys combining strong technical accounting skills with the opportunity to improve processes, develop reporting, and support business growth.
Working closely with the Group CEO and senior leadership team, you will become a key member of the business, providing accurate financial information, strengthening controls, and helping shape the future direction of the finance function.
You will help build the finance function, not just operate within it — creating processes, improving controls, developing reporting, and helping shape how finance supports the growth of the business.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow with the company, developing into a senior finance leadership role with a clear pathway towards Finance Controller responsibility.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESManagement Accounts & Financial Reporting
- Own the month-end close process, ensuring accurate and timely completion
- Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reporting packs
- Analyse financial performance across multiple divisions
- Provide insight into revenue, costs, margins, profitability, and business performance
- Produce reports and commentary to support senior leadership decision-making
- Identify trends, risks, and opportunities within the business
Cash Flow Management & Forecasting
- Maintain and develop cash flow forecasting processes
- Monitor working capital, debtor collections, supplier payments, and cash requirements
- Provide visibility of future cash positions to management
- Highlight potential risks and recommend improvements
Accounts Receivable & Credit Control
- Oversee client invoicing across all divisions
- Ensure invoices are raised accurately and promptly
- Manage aged debtor reporting and collection processes
- Chase overdue accounts professionally through phone, email, and written communication
- Allocate incoming payments and maintain accurate client records
Accounts Payable & Supplier Management
- Manage supplier invoice processing and approval workflows
- Maintain accurate purchase ledgers and supplier records
- Reconcile supplier statements and resolve invoice queries
- Manage payment runs and ensure suppliers are paid within agreed terms
Payroll & Compliance
- Oversee weekly and monthly payroll processing
- Ensure accurate PAYE, National Insurance, and pension submissions
- Manage starter and leaver administration
- Maintain payroll records and documentation
- Liaise with HMRC and pension providers when required
Financial Controls & Process Improvement
- Develop and improve finance processes as the business scales
- Establish strong financial controls and reporting procedures
- Improve accuracy, efficiency, and automation within the finance function
- Review existing systems and identify opportunities for improvement
- Support the implementation of improved finance processes across the group
Bookkeeping, VAT & Year-End Support
- Maintain accurate accounting records and nominal ledgers
- Complete bank reconciliations across multiple company accounts
- Support VAT return preparation and submissions
- Prepare information for external accountants
- Assist with year-end accounts and statutory reporting
- Maintain organised digital and financial records
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOREssential
- Minimum 4+ years' experience in a broad finance or accounting role
- Experience managing a full finance function or significant elements of one
- Strong understanding of management accounts and month-end processes
- Experience with cash flow forecasting and financial reporting
- Solid knowledge of payroll processing, PAYE, and statutory submissions
- Hands-on experience with accounts payable and accounts receivable
- Confident performing bank reconciliations across multiple accounts
- Strong working knowledge of accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, or similar
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis
- Excellent attention to detail with a commercial mindset
- Ability to manage priorities independently and meet deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- High levels of discretion and integrity when handling confidential financial information
Desirable
- AAT Level 3 or 4 qualified, currently studying towards AAT/ACCA/CIMA, or able to demonstrate equivalent practical finance experience
- Experience working within a growing SME or group company structure
- Experience in construction, facilities management, or service-sector businesses
- Knowledge of CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) deductions
- Experience supporting VAT returns and year-end close
- Experience implementing finance systems and improving processes
- Familiarity with Jobber, Simpro, or similar FSM/job management platforms
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Clear progression pathway towards Financial Controller responsibility
- Direct access to and visibility with senior leadership
- Opportunity to build and improve finance systems within a growing group
- Genuine ownership and influence over the finance function
- A dynamic, entrepreneurial, and supportive working environment
- Opportunity to make a measurable impact as the business continues to scale
- Immediate start available for the right candidate
EDUCATION
- GCSE or equivalent required
- AAT Level 3/4, ACCA, or CIMA study desirable
- Equivalent practical experience considered
Pay: £28,000.00-£34,000.00 per year
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- ACCOUNTS & BOOKKEEPING: 2 years (required)
- Payroll management: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
Work Location: In person
