At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure robust reporting and governance.
- Company: Highly regarded law firm with a strong finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and leadership opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a key leadership role and make a significant impact in finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial control and team management.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
We are working with a highly regarded law firm client seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join their finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a key leadership role with broad responsibility across financial reporting, controls, and team management.
The Role
Reporting into the Finance Director, you will take ownership of day-to-day financial operations while ensuring robust financial control and governance across the business. You will play a critical role in maintaining high-quality reporting standards and supporting strategic decision-making.
Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the production of monthly management accounts and financial reporting
- Managing and developing the finance team (c. 30 people with managers across disciplines as direct reports)
- Ensuring strong financial controls, compliance, and governance frameworks
- Leading the year-end audit process and liaising with external auditors
- Supporting budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
- Driving process improvements and efficiencies within finance operations
- Acting as a key business partner to senior stakeholders across the firm
Experience needed:
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
- Proven experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role
- Law firm background as SRA knowledge is essential
- Strong technical accounting and reporting expertise
- Experience managing teams
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Prior experience in Elite 3e would be advantageous
Financial Controller (12-month FTC) in London employer: Ambition
Join a prestigious law firm that values excellence and integrity, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions as a Financial Controller will directly impact strategic decision-making. With a strong emphasis on professional development, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented finance team while enjoying a collaborative culture that fosters innovation and continuous improvement. Located in a vibrant area, this role not only provides competitive benefits but also a chance to be part of a respected institution committed to high-quality financial governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller (12-month FTC) in London
✨Get Involved in Financial Networks
Join local financial associations or forums where you can connect with professionals in financial-controlling. Networking events often lead to temporary positions, as companies look for quick hires when they need extra hands.
✨Showcase Your Skills on Temporary Job Boards
Focus on platforms that specifically cater to temporary roles in finance. Sites like Reed or Totaljobs often list short-term gigs that are perfect for getting your foot in the door, and you can apply directly through our website for roles at Ambition.
✨Leverage Your Uni's Career Services
If you're still in university, tap into your career services for internship or temporary job placements. They often have insider info on companies like Ambition looking for temporary financial support, and they might help you polish your pitch.
✨Flexible Availability is Key
For temporary positions in financial-controlling, your availability can make a huge difference. Highlight your willingness to start immediately or work irregular hours when speaking to employers. This flexibility can land you that sought-after role!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller (12-month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Aces:In the financial controlling game, grades and relevant certifications can make a significant difference. Be sure to highlight your academic achievements, like finance-related coursework and any professional certifications you’ve got on your CV that show you’re clued up in this area. It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just good at numbers but also know your stuff!
Quantify Your Achievements:When applying for a temporary role in financial controlling, make sure your CV reflects any previous experience with real, measurable outcomes. Use numbers to showcase your past successes, like percentage improvements in budgeting or cost savings you’ve achieved in previous roles. This not only gives us insights into your capabilities but also tells us you're results-driven.
Personalise Your Application:We love seeing applicants who take the time to tailor their applications! In your cover letter, mention why you’re particularly interested in the temporary role with Ambition and how your specific skills and experiences align with the job. Show us that you see this role as an opportunity to contribute, even if it's for a short stint!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to highlight your availability in your application. We’re interested in knowing how soon you can start and if you’re open to working flexible hours. This shows us your eagerness to jump right in and adapt to the dynamic needs of our team at Ambition.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambition
✨Get Hands-On with Financial Tools
Being in financial controlling means you’ll likely be working with various software like Excel, Power BI, or even SAP. Make sure you brush up on these tools and prepare to discuss your experience using them. Being able to reference specific projects or analyses where you employed these programs will definitely give you an edge.
✨Prepare for Technical Financial Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to analyse financial statements or suggest budgetary strategies during the interview. Practising common financial concepts like variance analysis or cost control measures will not only boost your confidence but also prove your suitability for the role.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Adaptability
As this is a temporary position, the interviewers will want to see that you can hit the ground running. Be sure to highlight any previous short-term roles or projects where you successfully adapted to new environments quickly – this will showcase your readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Precision
In financial controlling, attention to detail is absolutely crucial. Be ready to provide examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to spot discrepancies and ensure accuracy in financial reporting. Your precision could be the factor that sets you apart in a temporary role like this one!
