Assistant Finance Manager

JOB TITLE: Chinese Speaking Assistant Finance Manager

LOCATION: London, United Kingdom (Canary Wharf Office)

JOB TYPE: Permanent (Hybrid – 1 day in office every week)

DEPARTMENT: Finance

SALARY: £40,000–£50,000 + annual bonus

REPORTING TO: Associate Finance Director

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: Fluent English (Essential) + Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin)

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a hands-on Assistant Finance Manager role responsible for overseeing finance operations, including accounts payable, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls across multiple business areas.

The position requires strong technical accounting knowledge, team management capability, and the ability to support business operations through financial insights and process improvements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Management & Supervision

• Manage the Accounts Payable function, including invoice processing and payments
• Supervise and support the Finance & Accounting team, providing guidance and issue resolution
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal policies, and procedures
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to meet business objectives

Financial Control & Compliance

• Ensure accounting records are prepared in line with relevant accounting standards and statutory requirements
• Monitor regulatory, tax, and compliance changes and communicate updates where necessary
• Support internal control processes and risk management

Budgeting

• Support and participate in the budgeting and forecasting process

Financial Reporting

• Lead month-end and year-end closing processes
• Prepare statutory and management reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Liaise with auditors and support audit processes

Analysis

• Provide financial analysis to identify risks, opportunities, and profitability drivers
• Support business decision-making with data-driven insights

Operations & Treasury

• Manage cash flow and support banking activities
• Assist in managing financial exposure and liquidity
• Review VAT and other statutory returns

General Responsibilities

• Ensure safeguarding of company assets
• Support tax compliance and audit processes
• Drive process improvements and efficiency initiatives
• Support finance-related projects and ad hoc tasks

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (or finalist) with a degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline
• 4+ years of relevant experience, including at least 2 years in a managerial role
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting, controls, and risk management
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Hands-on, proactive, and detail-oriented
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred:

• Experience in FMCG, property, or multi-entity business environments
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g. SAP)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, international environment
• Mandarin or Cantonese language skills are an advantage