At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, improve reporting, and support strategic decision-making.
- Company: Dynamic business solutions provider in West London with growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape finance functions.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and team development.
- Why this job: Join a key leadership role and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in private equity-backed environments.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: West London (Office-based initially)
Salary: £55,000 - £100,000 per annum
Reporting to: Managing Director / CFO / Board (depending on structure)
Type: Full-time, Permanent – 100% office based initially
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Finance Manager / Financial Controller to join a growing business solutions provider based in West London. The successful candidate will play a critical role in stabilising and strengthening the finance function while driving improvements across financial reporting, controls, systems, processes and operational finance support. This is a key finance leadership appointment within a private equity-backed, asset-backed operational business.
Alongside this recruitment process, an external review of the finance function is being undertaken. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to and help implement the resulting recommendations, making this an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys both operational leadership and business transformation.
The level of appointment remains flexible. We are open to considering:
- An experienced, hands-on Financial Controller seeking a broad leadership role.
- An experienced Financial or Management Accountant looking for a step up to a Finance Manager/FC role.
- A high-potential newly qualified accountant with exceptional systems and process improvement capability.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Control & Reporting- Lead and manage the day-to-day finance function.
- Ensure timely and accurate production of monthly management accounts.
- Oversee balance sheet reconciliations and maintain a robust month-end close process.
- Manage statutory accounts preparation and coordinate annual audits.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, tax requirements and regulatory obligations.
- Deliver high-quality financial reporting to senior management, shareholders and lenders.
- Review and strengthen financial controls, policies and procedures.
- Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
- Support the implementation of recommendations arising from the external finance function review.
- Improve reporting capabilities, management information and KPI visibility.
- Drive finance systems optimisation and automation initiatives.
- Partner with operational teams to provide financial insight and support decision-making.
- Improve cost control, profitability analysis and financial performance monitoring.
- Support budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management processes.
- Assist with pricing, contract evaluation and commercial decision support.
- Develop meaningful operational and financial KPIs across the business.
- Lead, mentor and develop members of the finance team.
- Establish clear standards, accountability and best practice within the department.
- Build strong working relationships across all business functions.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and financial discipline.
- Support the senior leadership team with financial analysis and business planning.
- Assist with lender, investor and shareholder reporting requirements.
- Contribute to strategic projects, acquisitions, integrations or operational initiatives as required.
- Play a key role in the ongoing professionalisation of the finance function.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a finance professional who combines strong technical accounting skills with a practical, hands-on approach and a genuine interest in improving how finance supports the wider business.
Essential Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Experience within or working with a private equity-backed business.
- Experience working within operational, service-led, logistics, facilities management, outsourced services, asset-backed or similar environments.
- Demonstrable experience improving processes, controls and systems.
- Advanced Excel and financial systems capability.
Financial Controller/Finance Manager in London employer: Austin Rose Associates
Join a dynamic and growing business solutions provider in West London as a Financial Controller/Finance Manager, where you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the finance function while enjoying a supportive work culture that values continuous improvement and professional development. With competitive salaries ranging from £55,000 to £100,000 and opportunities for operational leadership and business transformation, this position offers a unique chance to make a significant impact within a private equity-backed environment. The company fosters strong collaboration across teams, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and valued, making it an excellent employer for finance professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller/Finance Manager in London
✨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 Austin Rose Associates. 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/Finance Manager in London
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 Austin Rose Associates.
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 Austin Rose Associates'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 Austin Rose Associates
✨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 Austin Rose Associates.
✨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 Austin Rose Associates 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 Austin Rose Associates 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.
