At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and drive growth in a fast-paced international business.
- Company: Boutique, high-growth sales business based in Central London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, EMI share scheme, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression into a Finance Director role.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing business and influence strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: Chartered Accountant with 6+ years of commercial finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
Are you a commercially minded Chartered Accountant looking for an opportunity to play a key role in shaping and growing an ambitious international business? Our client is a boutique, fast-growth international sales business headquartered in Central London with established operations in the UK and a growing presence across Europe and the US. Profitable, ambitious and investing heavily in its future, the business is looking to appoint an experienced Financial Controller who can bring financial expertise, commercial insight and a genuine entrepreneurial mindset to its leadership team.
This is far more than a traditional financial reporting role. Reporting directly to the Group CEO, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of the finance function, influence commercial strategy and work closely with senior leadership to support the next phase of international growth. Our client is looking for a hands-on, commercially astute finance professional who can combine strong technical accounting expertise with the ability to think strategically and challenge the business.
The finance function is currently supported by external providers, and a key part of your role will be to bring management accounting and commercial finance capabilities in-house, develop robust financial processes and provide the insight needed to support ambitious growth plans.
Role & Responsibilities
- Taking ownership of management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial reporting.
- Acting as a trusted commercial partner to the CEO and senior leadership team, providing meaningful financial insight to support strategic decisions.
- Evaluating commercial opportunities.
- Improving financial performance.
- Developing financial models, evaluating commercial opportunities and supporting international growth initiatives.
- Building and improving financial controls, reporting processes and scalable finance systems.
- Develop robust financial processes.
- Leading financial planning and analysis, challenging assumptions and identifying opportunities to improve profitability and performance.
- Managing relationships with outsourced finance providers, auditors and external advisers.
- Overseeing statutory reporting, compliance and financial governance across the international business.
- Driving improvements through technology, automation and more efficient ways of working.
About You
We're looking for an ambitious and commercially driven finance professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and wants to play an influential role within a growing business.
- ACA / CA qualification with a minimum of 6 years of professional experience.
- A strong foundation in audit, ideally complemented by transaction services, financial due diligence or corporate finance experience.
- Experience working in industry, preferably within an SME, founder-led or high-growth business.
- Proven commercial finance experience, partnering with senior leadership teams and directors to support business growth and strategic decision-making.
- Strong financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting and management accounting capabilities.
- The confidence to challenge senior stakeholders, provide commercial recommendations and translate financial information into meaningful business insight.
- A hands on & proactive approach with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally.
- An entrepreneurial mindset, strong communication skills and a genuine desire to help build and shape a business.
- Experience within a sales led or professional services environment would be advantageous, although not essential.
What's On Offer?
- Competitive base salary with flexibility for an exceptional candidate.
- Performance-related bonus.
- EMI share scheme, offering the opportunity to participate in the future success of the business.
- Hybrid working - 3 days per week in the Central London office near Bank.
- 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays and an additional office closure between Christmas and New Year.
- Additional annual leave for long service, with the option to buy and sell holiday.
- Direct exposure to the Group CEO and senior leadership team.
- Genuine opportunity to progress into a Finance Director role as the business continues to expand internationally.
- A collaborative, supportive and entrepreneurial working environment.
If you're an ambitious Chartered Accountant with a strong technical foundation, commercial experience and the desire to help shape the future of a growing international business, we'd love to hear from you. This is an opportunity to move beyond traditional financial control, influence strategic decisions and play a meaningful role in building a business for the future.
Commercial Finance Controller in London employer: Altum Consulting
Altum Consulting is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within a high-profile heritage charity. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful financial projects while enjoying the benefits of hybrid working in the vibrant heart of Central London. Join us to make a meaningful difference while advancing your career in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Controller in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Altum Consulting. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Altum Consulting.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Altum Consulting. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Controller in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Altum Consulting and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Altum Consulting how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Altum Consulting
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Altum Consulting.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Altum Consulting's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
