Financial Controller in Watford

Financial Controller in Watford

Watford Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Accountancy Action

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive growth in a dynamic, multi-site environment.
  • Company: Join a successful and expanding group with ambitious growth plans.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Collaborate with senior leadership and lead a high-performing finance team.
  • Why this job: Influence business strategy and make a real impact on financial performance.
  • Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with multi-site experience.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Are you an experienced Financial Controller looking for a role where you can genuinely influence business performance and seeking a hybrid working role?

We're recruiting on behalf of a successful and expanding multi-site group. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially focused finance professional to take ownership of the entire finance function, and senior leadership team to drive growth, profitability and operational excellence.

This is far more than a traditional Financial Controller position; you'll act as a true business partner, helping shape strategic decisions and improve financial performance across multiple sites.

You'll also lead and develop the finance team while driving continuous improvements to systems, reporting and processes.

Key Responsibilities
  • Financial Reporting & Commercial Insight
    • Produce monthly board packs, management accounts and KPI reporting.
    • Deliver insightful variance analysis with clear commercial recommendations.
    • Provide weekly performance reporting across revenue, cash flow and operational KPIs.
    • Develop meaningful dashboards and financial reporting for senior leadership.
  • Cash Flow & Business Performance
    • Own rolling cash flow forecasts and scenario planning.
    • Drive improvements in working capital, debtor collections and cash conversion.
    • Analyse profitability by site, clinician productivity and operational performance.
    • Monitor financial performance and provide recommendations to improve margins.
  • Financial Control & Compliance
    • Lead the month-end close and ensure accurate balance sheet reconciliations.
    • Oversee VAT, PAYE, HMRC compliance and statutory reporting.
    • Manage external audits and maintain robust financial controls across the group.
    • Ensure accurate revenue recognition across multiple income streams.
  • Leadership & Business Partnering
    • Lead, mentor and develop the finance team, including offshore support.
    • Partner with Operations on workforce planning, pricing and business performance.
    • Influence senior stakeholders through clear financial analysis and commercial insight.
  • Systems & Continuous Improvement
    • Drive automation and reporting improvements across finance systems.
    • Enhance reporting using Excel, Power Query and business intelligence tools.
    • Support acquisitions, integrations and finance transformation projects.

About You
We're looking for an ambitious finance professional who enjoys operating in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment.

You’ll have:

  • ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification (or finalist with significant Financial Controller experience)
  • Proven experience within a multi-site business (essential)
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Why Apply?

  • Work directly alongside the CEO and senior leadership team.
  • Have genuine influence over business strategy and commercial performance.
  • Lead finance transformation and systems improvements.
  • Fantastic opportunity to shape and develop a high-performing finance function.
  • Stable, ambitious business with exciting growth plans.

If you’re a commercially focused Financial Controller with multi-site experience looking to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today.

Financial Controller in Watford employer: Accountancy Action

As a Financial Controller at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all within a supportive environment that values your contributions. Join us in a location that fosters both personal and career development, making it an ideal place for meaningful and rewarding employment.

Accountancy Action

Contact Details:

Accountancy Action Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Watford

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 Accountancy Action. 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 Watford

Financial Reporting
Variance Analysis
KPI Reporting
Cash Flow Forecasting
Working Capital Management
Profitability Analysis
Financial Compliance

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 Accountancy Action.

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 Accountancy Action'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 Accountancy Action

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 Accountancy Action.

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 Accountancy Action 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 Accountancy Action 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.