Interim Finance Manager | Award-Winning Creative Agency | Outside IR35 - 6 months

Harmonic are delighted to be partnering with an award-winning, search-first content marketing agency, in the search for an Interim Commercial Finance Manager to join their finance team on a day rate contract basis. This is a hands-on, high-impact interim assignment for a commercially-minded finance professional who can hit the ground running, pick up a structured handover, and keep the finance function moving through a period of real change.

The Business:

Our client is one of the UK's most recognised search-first marketing agencies, creating and optimising content across SEO, social, digital PR and AI search for a roster of household-name consumer and B2B brands. Headquartered in the North with offices in Manchester, London and New York, the business has picked up a long list of industry awards, including being named the best agency outside London, and continues to grow both in the UK and internationally.

With a multi-entity group structure, a new junior accountant, and a fast pace of change across the business, our client needs an experienced pair of hands to come in quickly, take a full handover, and own the day-to-day finance and month-end process alongside the Financial Controller.

The Role:

Reporting into the Financial Controller, the Interim Commercial Finance Manager will take ownership of the monthly cycle, running the month-end close across multiple entities, submitting payroll, checking and reviewing reporting, and managing the workload of a new junior accountant as they settle into the team.

This is a role for someone who is comfortable in a fast-moving, ever-changing environment, who can bring structure and a commercial eye to the numbers, and who is happy to roll up their sleeves in a small team where everyone plays a key part.

Main Duties:

• Own and deliver the month-end close process across a multi-entity group
• Prepare and submit monthly payroll, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Check and review management reports and key financial outputs, providing commercial insight to the Financial Controller
• Manage, prioritise and review the workload of a new junior accountant, supporting their onboarding and development
• Work closely with the Financial Controller to keep the finance function running smoothly through a period of change
• Identify opportunities to tighten processes and improve the quality and timeliness of reporting

What we need to see (essential):

• Strong, hands-on experience running month-end close and producing / reviewing management accounts
• Qualified (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or qualified by experience - QBE candidates are genuinely welcome
• The ability to pick up a handover quickly and operate with confidence in a lean, fast-paced, fast-changing environment

What we'd like to see (bonus):

• Experience within an agency, marketing, media or professional services environment

• Experience working across a multi-entity group structure

Day Rate: Up to £300 per day (potential flex for ideal candidate.

*This role falls Outside IR35.

Contract Length: up to 6 months.

Location: Manchester (hybrid)

Start Date: ASAP

If this role is of interest, please apply online or email me at

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.