Financial Controller

Looking for a Financial Controller role where you can lead a capable team without spending your first six months rebuilding one? This 16-month maternity cover gives you ownership of financial control, month end, statutory reporting and audit for an organisation delivering complex, long-term projects. You’ll receive 27 days’ holiday plus bank holidays and an additional Christmas company day, private medical insurance and a discretionary bonus.

Reporting to the Finance Director, you will be responsible for:

• Managing four direct reports, including a qualified Financial Accountant, Finance Analyst and two Ledger Clerks, combining hands-on support with coaching and development
• Leading the month-end timetable and making sure the ledgers are accurate, complete and closed on time
• Managing the AP close, reviewing and approving journals and overseeing the quality of monthly reconciliations
• Delivering P&L reporting by working day three, followed by detailed shareholder commentary and balance-sheet reporting
• Preparing statutory accounts and taking the lead on the external audit, working directly with auditors and resolving technical queries
• Taking ownership of core financial-control activities including cash, banking, VAT returns and taxation
• Maintaining strong balance-sheet controls and investigating issues rather than simply reporting them
• Reviewing existing finance policies and controls, identifying weaknesses and implementing sensible improvements
• Supporting reporting across a complex, long-term project environment, applying IFRS and UK GAAP requirements
• Providing oversight of a small overseas payroll and ensuring appropriate financial checks and sign-off

What you will need:

• Previous experience in a similar role, such as Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Financial Accounting Manager or Senior Financial Accountant
• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification
• Strong technical accounting knowledge with previous responsibility for statutory accounts and audit
• Experience of leading month-end processes and maintaining robust financial controls
• The willingness to remain hands-on while managing and supporting a finance team
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, with Sage 200 knowledge advantageous
• The ability and willingness to undergo the required security-clearance process

What you will get:

• 201 hours, approximately 27 days, annual leave plus bank holidays and an additional company day at Christmas
• Company-paid private medical insurance with couple cover
• Company pension, employer contribution matches yours plus 1%, up to a maximum employer contribution of 7%
• Discretionary Variable Compensation Plan bonus
• Income protection and life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support
• Up to three paid volunteering days each year
• Flexible benefits including the option to buy or sell holiday, Cycle to Work and retail discounts

If you would like to find out more about this role, please apply with your CV or LinkedIn PDF. We look forward to hearing from you!

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