About the Role

The Finance Manager will be responsible for the overall financial leadership, strategy, planning, and governance for Penman Consulting (PC) companies and Consortia not-for-profit entities, in Belgium, the UK and Netherlands. This is a key leadership role requiring hands-on oversight and management of the day-to-day finance operations while also contributing to strategic decision-making and long-term financial planning. assessments, and compliance strategies across target Penman Consultancy industries.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

·       Develop and execute company-wide financial strategy aligned with business goals and growth objectives.

·       Provide strategic insights and financial analysis to support investment, expansion, and operational initiatives.

• Support the PC Board in budgeting, forecasting, scenario modelling, and business planning.

Financial Management

·       Oversee all aspects of financial reporting, management accounts, cash flow, and treasury for PC companies and not-for-profit entities.

·       Manage budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis processes (by company, division, department)

• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance in consolidated reporting across entities.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements in Belgium, the UK and any other jurisdictions in which Penman Consulting operates.

• Liaise with auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies during audits and reporting cycles.

• Maintain up-to-date financial policies and procedures across the group.

Operational Finance

• Manage accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and expense processes.

• Oversee and optimise financial systems, tools, and integrations (e.g., Accounting and ERP systems).

• Support procurement and contract financial reviews.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and develop finance staff and external providers (e.g., accountants/bookkeepers).

• Act as a key liaison between finance and other departments including People Services & HR, operations, and technology.

• Present regular financial updates to stakeholders and provide input for investor or client reporting where needed.

Qualifications and skills

Essential

• Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with at least 5–10 years of senior finance experience.

• Proven experience managing finances across multiple entities or a group structure.

• Strong understanding of UK financial, tax, and regulatory environments.

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and act operationally.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable

• Experience in consultancy, scientific services, ESG, or SaaS environments.

• Knowledge of R&D tax credits, grants, or other innovation finance mechanisms.

• Familiarity with financial technology platforms and automation.

• Language skills in French, Dutch, or Flemish; though not a pre-requisite, are a distinct advantage, reflecting the group's international operations.

Knowledge of Belgian financial, tax, and regulatory environments is highly beneficial, particularly in support of cross-border compliance and operational alignment.