Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Full-Time 56700 - 69300 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage finance operations, reporting, and strategic budgeting for a growing tech company.
  • Company: Cezanne, a leading provider of Cloud HR and Payroll software in the UK.
  • Benefits: 28 days leave, health insurance, flexible culture, and a birthday day off.
  • Other info: Clear progression path to CFO roles and a supportive, collaborative environment.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence financial strategy while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: 7-10 years in finance, qualified accountant, and strong knowledge of UK standards.

The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.

About Cezanne

We’re Cezanne – nice to meet you!

Cezanne is the leading UK-headquartered provider of modern Cloud HR and Payroll software for UK and international businesses.

Trusted by thousands of HR and Payroll professionals across a wide range of industries, our system helps organisations simplify people's processes and stay connected wherever their teams are.

With a history of strong year-on-year growth, we’re excited to continue expanding our reach.

Our focus remains the same: delivering smart, forward-thinking HR and Payroll solutions backed by excellent support and a collaborative culture where our people can thrive.

About the Role

As Financial Controller, you’ll manage our finance function end to end – from transactional processing through accounting, control and statutory reporting.

You’ll be fully accountable for the accuracy and timeliness of our management accounts and statutory reporting, and you’ll play a key role in budgeting, forecasting and strategic decisions alongside our CFO.

This role suits an experienced, hands-on finance leader who is equally comfortable in the detail of the close process and in developing a high-performing finance team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Financial control & reporting
  • Manage the day-to-day finance function, from transactional processing through to accounting, and be fully accountable for financial control, reporting and core operations.
  • Own production of management accounts, KPIs and commentary for non-finance stakeholders, and lead variance analysis.
  • Oversee close processes, reconciliations and journals, and lead statutory accounts preparation and the audit process.
  • Document and maintain the core control framework and key risks.
  • Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards, tax and regulatory requirements, keeping abreast of changes and planning accordingly.
  • Planning & strategic support
  • Play a key role in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.
  • Work with the CFO on board packs and investor updates.
  • Partner with heads of department on budgeting and cost control.
  • Leadership & continuous improvement
  • Line-manage Finance Assistants and Accountants, setting clear expectations and supporting their development.
  • Lead by example, manage performance and build a strong team bench.
  • Design and improve processes for scalability and robustness, driving continuous improvement (system upgrades, automation, process redesign).
  • Act as the main finance contact for internal teams, communicating clearly on expectations and deadlines.
  • What You’ll Bring
  • 7–10 years in a controller/senior accountant role.
  • Qualified accountancy. (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
  • Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Proven experience managing month-end/year-end close, statutory accounts and audit processes.
  • Experience line-managing and developing a finance team.
  • Comfortable partnering with a CFO and non-finance department heads on budgeting and reporting.
  • Track record of improving financial processes, controls and systems.
  • Growth & Development

This role sits on our Controller progression route.

As you take on greater influence over financial strategy and control, present to senior leadership, and develop future finance leaders, there’s a clear path to progress towards CFO or future group-level roles.

Perks of working with us

  • 28 days annual leave + bank holidays.
  • A day off for your birthday.
  • £250 working from home budget.
  • Health Insurance, Life Assurance, and Income Protection.
  • Employee assistance program.
  • Buy and sell annual leave.
  • A culture built on flexibility and trust.
  • Regular social events, remotely and in-person.

Cezanne HR is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Financial Controller employer: Cezanne

Cezanne is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Glasgow where employees thrive and are passionate about their contributions. With a strong focus on employee growth, Cezanne provides ample opportunities for professional development, alongside generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, health insurance, and a culture built on flexibility and trust. Join us to be part of a collaborative team that values diversity and innovation while delivering cutting-edge HR and Payroll solutions.

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Contact Details:

Cezanne Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land 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 Cezanne. 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

Financial Control
Statutory Reporting
Management Accounts
Variance Analysis
UK Accounting Standards
Tax Compliance
Budgeting

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 Cezanne.

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 Cezanne'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 Cezanne

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 Cezanne.

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 Cezanne 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 Cezanne 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.