About us

Optima Partners is a challenger AI and data consultancy that embeds closely with clients to solve complex problems and deliver measurable outcomes. Founded in 2013 in Edinburgh, we specialise in transformation across Financial Services & Insurance, Energy, Telecoms and Life Sciences. Following recent significant investment from Growth Capital Partners (GCP), we are entering a major growth phase that accelerates our UK expansion, strengthens our service and innovation capabilities, and enables further investment in our people, technology and delivery.

As we scale, we’re looking for a hands‑on Finance Manager who thrives in a fast‑growing environment and enjoys taking ownership across a broad range of responsibilities. You’ll bring experience from an SME setting, a strong grasp of day‑to‑day finance operations, and a passion for improving how things work.  This role is ideal for someone who thrives on responsibility and wants to step into a broader, more impactful position within a growing, investment‑backed consultancy.

The role

Reporting to the Financial Controller, you will take ownership of core financial operations and play a central role in strengthening controls, improving processes, and supporting effective decision‑making across the business. Your key responsibilities will include:,

Financial Control & Reporting

• Own the month‑end close calendar and deliver complete management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, cashflow and commentary).

• Maintain accurate, timely balance sheet reconciliations with clear issue resolution.

• Prepare weekly cashflow forecasts, highlighting risks/opportunities and recommended actions.

• Produce VAT returns and maintain all supporting documentation.

• Support budgeting and forecasting: issuing templates, consolidating inputs and preparing first‑cut packs.

Operational Finance Management

• Oversee AP, AR, billing, credit control, accrued/deferred income and prepayment reconciliations.

• Monitor working capital KPIs and drive improvements in cash conversion.

• Review monthly payroll outputs and prepare payroll journals (including year‑end P11D/PSA requirements).

• Manage banking reviews, payment runs and authorisation through Bankline.

• Maintain finance systems including chart of accounts, housekeeping and supplier/customer setup.

Audit, Governance & Improvement

• Prepare year‑end audit packs and act as day‑to‑day liaison with auditors.

• Maintain all operational finance procedures and documentation.

• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and data quality.

About you

You’ll be a proactive Finance Manager who enjoys leading others, setting high standards, and taking ownership of delivering accurate, timely financial outputs. You’ll bring strong attention to detail, a collaborative approach, and the confidence to maintain robust controls across all core finance activities.

• A qualified Chartered accountant (CIMA/ACA/ACCA) with PQE experience

• Manage, coach, and develop two direct reports.

• Lead by example, promoting high standards of accuracy, ownership, and collaboration.

• Maintain and enforce all finance deadlines, cut‑offs, and operational expectations.

• Prepare and approve routine journals within agreed limits.

• Authorise payments within policy and take responsibility for locking down management accounts following GFC review.

What we offer

We offer a competitive and well‑rounded benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, development, and work‑life balance as part of a growing, people‑focused consultancy.

• Competitive base salary

• Access to a company discretionary bonus and client growth incentive plan

• Up to 37 days holiday

• Private medical insurance

• Group life and income protection

• Salary sacrifice pension scheme

• Access to Perkbox, offering a wide range of lifestyle discounts and wellbeing benefits

• Investment in learning and development, including funded training and professional growth opportunities

• Regular company away days and team events to strengthen collaboration and celebrate success