Senior Controller / Financial Controller (m/w/d) in Bury St Edmunds

Senior Controller / Financial Controller (m/w/d) in Bury St Edmunds

Bury St Edmunds Temporary Home office (partial)
Cedar Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead finance operations, manage audits, and support budgeting in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join a PE-backed services business with a hybrid working model.
  • Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible work arrangements, and opportunity for growth.
  • Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities to mentor junior team members.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact during a period of growth and change in finance.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong finance management experience.

Cedar is currently partnered with a PE-backed services business to secure an Interim Financial Controller on an initial 6-month contract basis. The role is based in the South East with a hybrid working model. The business is looking for an experienced, hands-on finance professional to support the day-to-day running of the finance function during a busy period of growth and change.

The Role

  • Leading the month-end close process and ensuring timely production of monthly management accounts
  • Supporting the year-end audit process and acting as a key contact for external auditors
  • Managing balance sheet reconciliations and improving overall balance sheet integrity
  • Supporting reporting accuracy, controls and finance process consistency across the function
  • Assisting with cashflow reporting and working capital management
  • Supporting budgeting and forecasting activity where required
  • Working closely with the CFO and wider finance team to ensure smooth day-to-day finance operations
  • Providing support across BAU finance activities in a fast-paced environment
  • Assisting with technical accounting and reporting requirements where needed
  • Helping mentor and support junior members of the finance team

Your Profile

  • Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CA or equivalent)
  • Previous experience operating as a Financial Controller or senior finance lead
  • Strong month-end, audit and balance sheet management experience
  • Strong technical accounting capability
  • Comfortable working within fast-paced businesses and supporting BAU finance delivery
  • Hands-on approach with the ability to support across a broad finance remit
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
  • Prior exposure to PE-backed or multi-entity businesses would be beneficial but is not essential.

£425-£475 per day Outside IR35 Initial 6-month contract

Senior Controller / Financial Controller (m/w/d) in Bury St Edmunds employer: Cedar Recruitment

Join a leading technology-based business that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where your expertise in indirect tax will be highly regarded. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and the chance to work with cutting-edge AI and automation tools. Located in a vibrant area, this role not only provides a competitive salary but also the chance to make a significant impact within a high-profile team known for its excellence.

Cedar Recruitment

Contact Details:

Cedar Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Controller / Financial Controller (m/w/d) in Bury St Edmunds

Join Financial Networking Events

Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.

Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance

Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Cedar Recruitment.

Connect with Alumni from Your Uni

Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.

Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Cedar Recruitment might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Controller / Financial Controller (m/w/d) in Bury St Edmunds

Financial Accounting
Month-End Close Process
Management Accounts Preparation
Year-End Audit Support
Balance Sheet Reconciliation
Cashflow Reporting
Working Capital Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!

Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Cedar Recruitment will be keen to see in your application.

Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Cedar Recruitment. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!

Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Cedar Recruitment confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar Recruitment

Brush Up on Financial Regulations

Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Cedar Recruitment.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.

Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability

For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Cedar Recruitment that you’re a reliable team player.

Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn

In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.