Finance Manager

As a Finance Manager at Sylvera, you will handle a range of crucial tasks such as partnering with budget holders to enhance financial literacy, overseeing revenue recognition in collaboration with the sales team, and supporting the Finance Director in the monthly management accounts process. You'll play a vital role in ensuring clear and accurate financial reporting while identifying opportunities for process improvements and automation to scale our operations effectively.

To be successful as a Finance Manager at Sylvera, candidates must be qualified with a recognized accounting body such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA, along with at least two years of post-qualification experience. Experience in a fast-paced startup or scale-up environment, particularly in B2B SaaS, is highly preferred, alongside strong analytical capabilities and proficiency with financial modeling and forecasting tools.

At Sylvera, we believe in empowering our employees to grow their careers. As a Finance Manager, you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects and contribute to strategic decision-making, gaining exposure to various financial systems and tools. We encourage continuous learning and adaptation, fostering a collaborative environment where your insights can lead to meaningful improvements and innovations in our financial operations.

Working at Sylvera as a Finance Manager means joining a lively team driven by a mission to impact climate change positively. We support hybrid working, requiring your presence for key meetings while allowing flexibility in your work arrangements. Our vibrant office culture includes monthly catered lunches, team drinks, and initiatives focused on employee well-being, creating an engaging and supportive atmosphere.

As a rapidly growing climate tech company, Sylvera offers substantial growth opportunities for Finance Managers. You'll have the chance to enhance your skills in financial analysis, business partnering, and process improvements. By contributing to our mission and working alongside leaders in the climate change sector, you’ll expand your professional network and open doors for future career advancements within the industry.

To effectively prioritize tasks, I assess each responsibility’s urgency and impact on the overall financial operation. I often use tools like project management software to track deadlines and collaborate with team members, ensuring that critical tasks like month-end closing or revenue reporting are handled efficiently while also keeping an eye on long-term strategic goals.

In my previous role, I noticed that our month-end closing process was taking longer than necessary due to manual data entry. I proposed and implemented an automated system linking our accounting software with our sales platform, reducing closing time by 40%. This not only improved efficiency but also enhanced accuracy and allowed the team to focus on analysis rather than administration.

I believe in creating engaging and informative sessions tailored to the audience’s level of understanding. Using real data from their respective departments, I demonstrate how their financial decisions impact the company’s performance. I also encourage ongoing dialogues and provide easy-to-understand resources that empower them to manage budgets realistically.

I am quite comfortable with financial forecasting, using a blend of historical data analysis and market trend research. I rely on sophisticated modeling techniques, such as scenario analysis and sensitivity analysis, to evaluate potential outcomes. Collaborating closely with other departments helps me incorporate various inputs, creating more reliable forecasts that align with business strategies.

I am proficient in several financial software tools, including advanced Excel functionalities and Google Sheets for data manipulation, as well as financial software like QuickBooks and Xero for bookkeeping. I also have experience with BI tools like Tableau which help in visualizing financial data to draw meaningful insights for strategic decision-making.

In my previous roles, I’ve managed day-to-day finance operations while working closely with bookkeepers to ensure meticulous transaction recording and reconciliation. I believe in establishing effective communication lines to clarify expectations and timelines, fostering an environment of accountability and transparency within the finance team.

To ensure accuracy in financial reporting, I implement double-check processes and reconciliations at every level. I advocate for regular internal audits and peer reviews of financial statements to catch potential discrepancies early. Investing in employee training on data integrity practices is also a part of my approach to uphold a culture of accuracy.

The intersection of my financial expertise and my passion for sustainability motivates me to work in the climate tech sector. At Sylvera, I see a unique opportunity to drive impactful financial decisions that serve a greater purpose. The company's commitment to transparency and innovation not only resonates with my values but also fuels my ambition to contribute towards real climate action.

I approach challenging conversations about budget compliance with empathy and transparency. I focus on understanding the underlying reasons for overspending or underspending and collaborate with stakeholders to identify root causes. By approaching these discussions as opportunities for mutual learning and improvement, I can help guide the team towards more efficient budgeting practices.

I've had extensive experience in business partnering with non-financial teams by adapting my communication style to meet their needs. I strive to be approachable and proactive, sharing financial insights that help them understand their impacts on the company’s bottom line, thus driving more informed decision-making within their departments.