At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the finance function while shaping strategic decisions.
- Company: Fast-growing professional services group aiming for £30 million revenue by 2027.
- Benefits: Pathway to CFO, significant exposure to acquisitions, and impactful role.
- Other info: Occasional UK and international travel may be required.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a dynamic environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Shape the finance function. Influence the strategy. Progress towards CFO. Balanced Hiring are partnering with an ambitious, fast-growing professional services group with plans to exceed £30 million in revenue by the end of 2027 through organic growth, acquisitions and service expansion. The Group is now seeking a commercially focused and hands-on Group Financial Controller to lead and develop its UK finance function. This is not simply a role maintaining what already exists. You’ll strengthen financial control today while building the people, systems and scalable processes the Group will need for the future. Working closely with the UK Board and senior leadership team, you’ll deliver meaningful commercial insight, support acquisition activity and help shape the Group’s long-term financial strategy. For the right individual, there is a genuine pathway towards becoming the Group’s future CFO.
The Role
- Lead and develop the finance function across multiple UK entities
- Own monthly management accounts, consolidated reporting and Board packs
- Strengthen financial controls, governance and reporting frameworks
- Oversee statutory accounts, audit, tax and regulatory compliance
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, treasury and working-capital management
- Partner with senior leaders to improve performance, profitability and decision-making
- Develop financial models and business cases to support growth and investment
- Support acquisitions through due diligence, integration and post-acquisition reporting
- Improve finance systems, processes, automation, KPIs and management information
- Build and develop a high-performing, commercially focused finance team
- Manage relationships with banks, auditors, tax specialists and external advisers
About You
You’ll be a fully qualified accountant, ACA, ACCA or CIMA with substantial experience in a senior finance leadership role. You’ll bring:
- Experience leading finance within a multi-entity or Group environment
- Strong technical accounting, statutory reporting, audit and governance expertise
- Commercial acumen and the ability to translate numbers into actionable insight
- Experience supporting growth, transformation or organisational change
- Ownership of budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and performance reporting
- Confidence influencing Board members and senior stakeholders
- A track record of leading and developing finance teams
- Strong systems capability and experience improving or implementing finance technology
- The ability to think strategically while remaining comfortable in the detail
Experience within professional services, accountancy practice or an acquisitive Group would be particularly valuable, as would exposure to M&A, due diligence and post-acquisition integration.
The Opportunity
- Help shape a Group targeting revenue of more than £30 million
- Influence strategic decisions alongside the UK Board
- Build and scale the finance function rather than simply inherit it
- Gain significant exposure to acquisitions and business transformation
- Create a clear and credible pathway towards a future CFO position
This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious finance leader to make a visible and lasting impact within a growing, acquisitive organisation. UK and international travel may occasionally be required.
Group Financial Controller employer: Balanced Hiring
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking accountancy practice in Cheltenham that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With a hybrid working model, a supportive team culture, and exposure to diverse clients, this role offers more than just bookkeeping; it provides a platform for your ideas to flourish and your career to advance in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Controller
✨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 Balanced Hiring. 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 Group Financial Controller
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 Balanced Hiring.
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 Balanced Hiring'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 Balanced Hiring
✨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 Balanced Hiring.
✨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 Balanced Hiring 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 Balanced Hiring 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.
