At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the finance function while improving systems and processes.
- Company: Established SME in Bristol with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and the chance to build your own team.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Step into a key role and influence business decisions while aiming for Finance Director.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with SME experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Job Overview
Package: £60k - £70k
- Reporting to: Managing Director
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Our Client
Our client is a well established and profitable SME based on the outskirts of Bristol.
They are looking for an ambitious Financial Controller to take on their first number one in finance position.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to build and lead a finance function, work closely with the Company Directors and progress towards a Finance Director role over the next few years.
The successful candidate will have the autonomy to recruit and develop a finance team around them as the business continues to grow.
There is some flexibility regarding salary, so it may still be worth having a conversation if your current expectations are slightly above the advertised range.
Financial Controller - The Role
As Financial Controller, you will take responsibility for leading and developing the finance function, improving existing systems and processes and introducing new solutions to support the continued growth of the business.
The role combines hands‑on financial management with commercial analysis and strategic input.
You will work closely with the Company Directors, providing the financial insight they need to make informed decisions and helping to ensure the finance function is ready for the company's next stage of growth.
You will need to be comfortable operating in a fast‑paced SME environment, with the ability to move confidently between detailed financial work and broader commercial priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Recruit, lead, mentor and develop the finance team as the business grows.
- Oversee the production of accurate and timely monthly management accounts.
- Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts and cash flow projections.
- Provide clear and commercially focused management information to support the Company Directors.
- Ensure balance sheet and control accounts are fully reconciled.
- Prepare and maintain accruals and prepayments schedules.
- Oversee VAT, tax, payroll, treasury and cash flow management.
- Manage stock takes and ensure accurate stock reporting.
- Review, develop and implement systems, processes and controls to improve reporting, governance and scalability.
- Act as the main point of contact for the preparation of statutory accounts and the annual audit.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including auditors, banks and HMRC.
- Lead financial and business improvement projects as required.
- The Successful Applicant
You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with experience of working in an SME environment.
This role would suit someone who is ready to step into their first number one finance position and is motivated by the opportunity to build a team, influence business decisions and develop into a Finance Director role.
As Financial Controller, you will bring
- A hands‑on and detail‑focused approach, combined with the ability to step back and see the bigger picture.
- The confidence and leadership skills to recruit, manage and develop a high‑performing finance team.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organisation.
- Strong experience of improving financial systems, processes and controls.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to turn financial information into meaningful insight.
- A proactive, pragmatic and solutions‑focused mindset.
- The ambition and potential to progress into a Finance Director position as the business continues to grow.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Financial Controller in Bristol employer: Artemis Clarke
Artemis Clarke is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Bristol where innovation meets collaboration. As a Financial Controller, you will not only lead a dedicated finance team but also have ample opportunities for professional growth and development, all while contributing to the strategic direction of a thriving SME. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being and a culture that values input and creativity, this role promises a rewarding career path in a supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Bristol
✨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 Artemis Clarke. 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 Bristol
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 Artemis Clarke.
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 Artemis Clarke'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 Artemis Clarke
✨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 Artemis Clarke.
✨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 Artemis Clarke 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 Artemis Clarke 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.
