Financial Controller - Professional Services

Hayward Hawk is delighted to be working in partnership with a fast-growing consultancy firm entering an exciting new phase of growth to recruit a Financial Controller. Their services are trusted by a wide range of clients, and they are scaling rapidly across new markets and service lines. As they expand, they are seeking a commercially astute Financial Controller to join the leadership team and play a critical role in shaping the financial direction of the business. This role offers a unique opportunity for an ambitious finance professional to take on a board-level position while maintaining hands-on oversight of day-to-day finance operations. It is ideally suited to someone looking to progress into a Finance Director role as the business continues to grow.

The Role

• This is a strategic and operational role that combines leadership responsibilities with direct ownership of the finance function.
• You will work closely with the Partner team, board members, and senior leadership team to provide robust financial stewardship and contribute to key business decisions.
• You will also be responsible for developing and maintaining the financial infrastructure to support scalable, sustainable growth.
• As a core member of the executive team, the successful candidate will be instrumental in supporting future fundraising activities, expansion strategies, and long-term planning, making this a highly visible and career-defining role within the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a key member of the leadership team and contribute to board-level discussions.
• Lead financial planning, forecasting, and analysis in line with strategic business goals.
• Support strategic initiatives including geographic expansion, service line development, and M&A.
• Provide financial insight and challenge to the executive team to support decision-making.
• Lead on funding readiness, investor relations, and capital planning as required.
• Oversee all financial operations including management accounting, reporting, and compliance.
• Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual accounts with full P&L responsibility.
• Maintain and improve financial controls, systems, and processes to support scale.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and treasury functions.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and tax requirements.
• Supervise day-to-day finance activity including AP/AR, payroll, and expense management.
• Manage external relationships including auditors, accountants, and tax advisors.

The Person

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a Senior Finance Position ideally within a high-growth or professional services environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with a strategic mindset and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively at both board level and operational level.
• Experience implementing and enhancing financial systems, controls, and processes.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Desirable: Experience within consultancy or professional services sectors.
• Exposure to fundraising, investment processes, or M&A.
• Ambition to progress into a Finance Director role in the medium term.

What can you expect from this role?

• A strategic leadership role with direct influence over the future direction of the business.
• Full board participation and visibility across the company.
• Clear pathway to a CFO position as the business grows.
• Competitive remuneration and performance-based incentives.
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial team culture.
• Opportunity to shape and build a best-in-class finance function.

Get in touch with Gemma Murphy for more information.