<p>We are seeking a seasoned Financial Controller to lead financial reporting, strengthen internal controls and support strategic planning. The successful candidate will manage month end processes, deliver accurate management accounts and partner with senior leaders to drive performance and compliance.</p>
<h2>Financial Controller Job Profile</h2>
<p>The Financial Controller will oversee the finance function, ensuring timely and accurate financial information for decision making. This role combines technical accounting expertise with team leadership and a focus on process improvement.</p>
<p>Reporting to the Finance Director or CFO, the Controller will lead month end close, statutory reporting and audit liaison while developing efficient controls and robust financial policies.</p>
<h2>Financial Controller Job Description</h2>
<p>The Financial Controller is responsible for the integrity of financial statements and the delivery of reliable management information. This includes preparing monthly management accounts, reconciliations, balance sheet reviews and commentary on variances against budget and forecasts. The role requires hands-on participation in month end close and the ability to implement process improvements to reduce risk and increase efficiency.</p>
<p>As a senior member of the finance team, the Controller will manage and mentor a small team of accountants, overseeing payroll, creditors and debtors, fixed assets and tax compliance where applicable. The role will also engage with operational managers to translate financial data into actionable insight and to support budgeting and forecasting cycles.</p>
<p>Key responsibilities include maintaining robust internal controls, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and liaising with external auditors and tax advisers. The ideal candidate will be commercially aware, technically strong in accounting standards and systems proficient, and capable of presenting complex financial information clearly to non finance stakeholders.</p>
<h2>Financial Controller Duties and Responsibilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Lead month end close, prepare management accounts and board reports</li>
<li>Oversee general ledger, reconciliations and month end journal entries</li>
<li>Manage statutory accounts preparation and audit processes</li>
<li>Maintain and improve internal control framework and procedures</li>
<li>Prepare budgets, forecasts and variance analysis with senior management</li>
<li>Partner with business units to provide financial insight and cost control</li>
<li>Supervise and develop the accounting team, setting objectives and training</li>
<li>Ensure compliance with tax, payroll and regulatory requirements</li>
<li>Implement and optimise financial systems and reporting tools</li>
<li>Manage cash flow projections and working capital initiatives</li>
<li>Liaise with external auditors, tax advisers and banking partners</li>
<li>Support strategic projects, due diligence and financial modelling</li>
</ul>
<h2>Financial Controller Requirements and Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent)</li>
<li>Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Senior Accountant</li>
<li>Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards and statutory reporting</li>
<li>Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills</li>
<li>Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills</li>
<li>Demonstrable experience in month end close and audit processes</li>
<li>Ability to present financial information to non finance audiences</li>
<li>Analytical mindset with attention to detail and process orientation</li>
<li>Experience in budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling</li>
<li>Understanding of tax, payroll and treasury operations preferred</li>
</ul>