At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting, manage a team, and ensure effective financial processes.
- Company: Established international business with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with exposure to international operations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance and team management.
Financial Controller
Salary: £60,000 - £65,000
Location: Harlow | 4 days office, 1 day WFH
We're partnering with an established international business looking to hire a Financial Controller into their Harlow-based finance team. This is a broad role offering responsibility across financial reporting, controls, planning and day-to-day finance, alongside the opportunity to lead and develop a small team.
Working closely with senior finance leadership, you'll play a key role in ensuring the finance function runs effectively, producing accurate reporting and maintaining strong financial processes and controls. It's a hands-on position that would suit someone comfortable balancing month-end and technical accounting responsibilities with team management and wider business support.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the monthly reporting cycle, including management accounts and cost centre reporting
- Supporting the budgeting, forecasting and wider financial planning processes
- Managing and developing a small finance team, providing support and coaching where needed
- Taking ownership of financial controls and ensuring processes remain accurate and effective
- Overseeing the day-to-day running of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
- Coordinating year-end requirements including audit, statutory accounts and tax submissions
- Managing cash requirements and supporting treasury activity
- Ensuring accounting records remain compliant with UK GAAP / FRS 102 and relevant regulations
- Supporting the ongoing use and maintenance of finance systems and ERP processes
About You
- Qualified accountant with experience in a broad finance role
- Previous experience working within an international or multinational environment
- Strong management accounting and financial reporting knowledge
- Comfortable across a wider finance remit including controls, tax, AP and AR
- Experience leading, coaching or developing a finance team
- Good working knowledge of UK GAAP / FRS 102
- Strong systems experience, including working with ERP platforms
- Highly proficient in Excel
- Confident communicator with strong organisational and leadership skills
What's on Offer
- Hybrid working – four days in the Harlow office and one day from home
- Broad ownership across reporting, controls and operational finance
- The opportunity to manage and develop a small team
- Exposure within an established international business
- Supportive and collaborative working environment with opportunities to develop
If you're a qualified accountant looking for a broad Financial Controller role with a mix of hands-on finance, team management and international exposure, we'd love to hear from you.
#LI-JR1
Financial Controller in Harlow employer: Absolute Recruit
Absolute Recruit is an excellent employer for those looking to thrive in the dynamic TV production industry. With a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth, employees benefit from hands-on experience in budgeting and forecasting, alongside clear pathways to advance into roles such as Assistant Management Accountant within just 18 months. The hybrid working model also offers flexibility, making it an attractive option for finance professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Harlow
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Absolute Recruit. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Absolute Recruit.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Absolute Recruit's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Absolute Recruit
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Absolute Recruit.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Absolute Recruit will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Absolute Recruit employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
