At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and improve finance processes in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Company: Join a PE-backed services business focused on operational integration and finance transformation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Other info: Ideal for experienced finance professionals seeking to drive change in a growing business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial stability and reporting quality in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in complex, multi-entity structures and finance transformation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Cedar is currently partnered with a PE-backed, high-growth 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. Regular travel across London and Cambridge will be required.
The Business: Backed by PE, the business has experienced significant growth through both organic expansion and acquisition activity and is now entering a key stage of operational integration and finance transformation. The organisation operates across a complex multi-entity structure and is focused on improving reporting quality, strengthening controls, enhancing finance processes and building a scalable finance function capable of supporting continued buy-and-build growth. The environment is fast-paced, evolving and operationally intensive, with a strong focus on finance stability, audit readiness, integration and scalable reporting infrastructure.
The Role: As Interim Financial Controller, responsibilities are likely to include:
- Leading the delivery of accurate and timely consolidated monthly management accounts across a complex multi-entity group
- Supporting the year-end audit process, acting as a key contact for external auditors and improving audit readiness across the business
- Driving improvements in balance sheet integrity, reconciliations, controls and overall reporting quality
- Improving month-end close processes, reporting timelines and finance function efficiency
- Supporting finance process standardisation across newly acquired and existing entities
- Assisting with integration activity following recent acquisitions, including alignment of reporting processes and financial controls
- Supporting ERP improvement and wider finance systems optimisation initiatives
- Delivering board and investor reporting, including variance analysis, KPI reporting and cashflow forecasting
- Partnering with operational leadership teams to improve visibility around margins, working capital and business performance
- Supporting budgeting, forecasting and longer-term financial planning processes
- Leading and mentoring finance teams through periods of change and organisational development
- Supporting value creation initiatives focused on operational efficiency, reporting scalability and cash generation
- Assisting with technical accounting, consolidation and multi-entity reporting requirements
- Supporting any future refinancing, due diligence or exit preparation activity where required
Your Profile: Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CA or equivalent). Strong experience operating as a Group Financial Controller or senior finance lead within PE-backed, buy-and-build or high-growth environments. Proven background across complex, multi-entity group structures. Strong technical accounting and audit management capability. Experience improving controls, reporting processes and finance function effectiveness. Exposure to acquisition integration, finance transformation or ERP/system improvement projects. Strong operational finance capability, including cashflow and working capital management. Comfortable operating within fast-paced businesses undergoing change and growth. Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to partner effectively with CFOs, operational leadership teams and investors. Hands-on approach with the ability to balance BAU delivery alongside project and transformation work. The role is likely to suit an experienced interim finance professional with exposure to PE-backed services or operationally intensive businesses, particularly those that have operated within buy-and-build environments.
Interim Financial Controller in Bury St Edmunds employer: Cedar
Cedar offers an exceptional working environment for the Interim Financial Controller role, characterised by a dynamic and fast-paced culture that thrives on innovation and operational excellence. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, fostering work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that drive financial transformation within a high-growth, PE-backed business. With ample opportunities for professional development and exposure to complex multi-entity structures, this role is ideal for those looking to make a significant impact in a supportive and growth-oriented setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Financial Controller in Bury St Edmunds
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or industry contacts. You never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity.
✨Ace the Interview
When you land that interview, make sure to prepare thoroughly. Research the company, understand their financial challenges, and come armed with examples of how you've tackled similar issues in the past. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their fast-paced environment!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience; demonstrate it! Bring along a portfolio of your work, including reports you've improved or processes you've streamlined. This will help you stand out and show that you can deliver results right from the get-go.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you on our website. Make sure to check it out regularly and apply directly through us. It’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Financial Controller in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Financial Controller. Highlight your experience in PE-backed environments and any relevant achievements in finance transformation or multi-entity structures. We want to see how you can bring value to our fast-paced business!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, like improving reporting quality or leading finance teams through change. Let us know what excites you about joining our team!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical accounting skills, make sure to highlight your qualifications and any relevant projects you've worked on. Whether it's ERP improvements or audit management, we want to see how your expertise can help us enhance our finance function.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our journey at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your strong grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to the role, such as cash flow forecasting and balance sheet integrity. Be ready to discuss how you've improved reporting quality in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Experience with PE-Backed Businesses
Highlight your experience in private equity-backed environments. Prepare specific examples of how you've navigated complex multi-entity structures and driven finance transformation. This will show that you understand the unique challenges and opportunities in such settings.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments. Think about past situations where you've had to improve finance processes or manage audits under tight deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is crucial, be prepared to discuss how you've partnered with operational leadership teams and CFOs. Share examples of how you've communicated financial insights effectively to non-financial stakeholders, showcasing your ability to bridge the gap between finance and operations.
