At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control, compliance, and reporting for a growing international business.
- Company: Join a dynamic design and manufacturing firm preparing for private equity investment.
- Benefits: Enjoy mentorship from an experienced CFO and strategic visibility in a high-growth environment.
- Why this job: Shape a finance function and make a measurable impact on the company's trajectory.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with strong experience in statutory reporting and audit.
- Other info: Opportunity for career-defining growth towards Finance Director or CFO level.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: Sidcup, UK (3–4 days on-site)
Revenue: £50M+ | Markets: UK, US, Australia
Ownership: Privately held, preparing for PE investment or exit (2.5–3 year horizon)
This is a rare opportunity for a high-calibre finance professional to step into a No.1 finance role at a growing, international design and manufacturing business. Whether you’re already a Financial Controller or ready to step up from audit, you’ll work directly with the CFO to build out a scalable, investment-ready finance function. As the business expands internationally—with growing operations in the UK, US, and Australia—you’ll play a hands-on role in shaping everything from reporting and compliance to financial strategy. With a potential private equity transaction on the horizon, this role offers a high-impact platform for professional growth and long-term reward.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the month-end close and group consolidation across multiple jurisdictions
- Own the preparation of statutory accounts and ensure adherence to UK GAAP/IFRS
- Enhance and standardise internal controls and compliance frameworks across entities
- Be the primary contact for external auditors (UK, US, AUS) and manage full audit cycle
- Implement robust reporting processes to support due diligence and investor confidence
- Prepare financial packs and commentary for board and potential investors
- Monitor and manage multi-currency cash flow, treasury processes and FX exposure
- Strengthen banking relationships and support the CFO on funding and working capital strategy
- Oversee and mentor a small, growing team across the UK and overseas
- Drive finance systems upgrades and support process automation and reporting tools
- Establish finance KPIs and dashboard visibility across departments
Who This Role Suits
We’re open to different routes into the role:
- Step-In Candidate: You’re already a Financial Controller or Head of Finance in a £30M–£100M turnover SME, confident in consolidations, audit prep, and cash management, looking for international exposure and PE track progression.
- Step-Up Candidate: You’re an ACA-qualified Manager/Senior Manager from a Big Four or top 10 audit firm, looking to move into a commercial leadership role with end-to-end responsibility in an entrepreneurial, growing company.
What We’re Looking For
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified
- Strong experience in statutory reporting, audit, and compliance
- Exposure to multi-entity environments and ideally some international scope
- Hands-on with cash flow, controls, and reporting structure development
- Sector experience in manufacturing, supply chain, or product-based industries (ideal but not essential)
Why Join?
- Build, not just maintain – This is a role for someone who wants to shape a function, not just inherit one
- Mentorship – Work closely with an experienced CFO invested in your development
- Strategic visibility – Exposure to commercial decisions and future PE process
- Career-defining opportunity – Grow with the business and make a measurable impact on its trajectory
Let’s talk if you’re looking to:
- Take ownership of a group finance function
- Partner with leadership during a high-growth phase
- Develop a clear path to Finance Director or CFO level in a PE context
Salary - Commensurate with experience
Group Financial Controller employer: Acuity Associates
Contact Detail:
Acuity Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in private equity or international operations. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in financial compliance and reporting standards, particularly UK GAAP and IFRS. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-currency cash flow management and treasury processes. Highlight any specific examples where you successfully managed FX exposure or strengthened banking relationships, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've mentored or developed teams in previous roles. This will be important as the position involves overseeing a growing team and driving finance systems upgrades.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial control, compliance, and audit. Emphasise any international exposure and your ability to manage multi-currency cash flow, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to shape a finance function. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your readiness for a high-impact role and your alignment with the company's growth trajectory.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications and any other relevant certifications. Discuss how your educational background supports your expertise in statutory reporting and compliance, which are crucial for this position.
Showcase Leadership Skills: If you have experience mentoring teams or leading projects, make sure to include this in your application. The company is looking for someone who can oversee and develop a growing team, so demonstrating your leadership capabilities will be beneficial.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acuity Associates
✨Understand the Financial Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the financial regulations and reporting standards relevant to the role, such as UK GAAP and IFRS. Being able to discuss these confidently will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in finance-related contexts. Highlighting your ability to mentor and develop others will resonate well, given the team's growth aspect of the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions on financial controls, compliance frameworks, and audit processes. Brush up on your knowledge of multi-currency cash flow management and be ready to discuss how you would enhance reporting processes.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can contribute to the company's growth and potential private equity transaction. Be prepared to discuss your vision for building a scalable finance function and how you would support the CFO in strategic decisions.