At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, manage audits, and support strategic decision-making in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic start-up with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the finance function in a high-growth company.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial management and audit processes.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
We are seeking a highly capable and commercially aware Financial Controller to lead the finance function in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical accounting expertise, proven experience managing external audits, and the adaptability required to operate effectively in a start-up or scale-up setting. This role requires a hands-on, enthusiastic leader who is comfortable operating across the full spectrum of finance activities, from statutory reporting and audit management through to process development, systems improvement, and supporting commercial decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
- Ensure compliance with IFRS/UK GAAP and all statutory reporting requirements
- Maintain and strengthen internal controls, policies, and procedures
- Own balance sheet integrity and reconciliations
- Audit Management
- Lead and coordinate annual external audits with Big Four firms (e.g. Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG)
- Act as primary point of contact for external auditors
- Ensure timely delivery of audit evidence and resolution of audit queries
- Drive continuous improvement in audit readiness and processes
- Start-Up / Scale-Up Finance Operations
- Operate in a hands-on capacity across all areas of finance, including:
- Accounts payable and receivable oversight
- Cash flow management and forecasting
- Payroll coordination (where applicable)
- Banking and treasury activities
- Support implementation and optimisation of finance systems and ERP platforms
- Build scalable finance processes to support business growth
- Management Reporting & Business Support
- Produce accurate and insightful management accounts
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning
- Partner with senior leadership to provide financial insight and decision support
- Deliver ad-hoc analysis to support commercial initiatives and strategic projects
- Manage and develop a small finance team (or build function as business grows)
- Provide coaching and technical guidance to junior finance staff
- Foster a high-performance, collaborative finance culture
- Tax & Compliance
- Oversee VAT, corporation tax coordination, and statutory compliance
- Liaise with external advisors and tax consultants as required
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and reporting obligations
Key Requirements
- Qualified accountant (ACCA / ACA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Significant experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role
- Proven track record working with Big Four audit firms
- Experience in a start-up, scale-up, or high-growth environment
- Strong exposure to end-to-end finance operations
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of IFRS and/or UK GAAP
- Advanced financial reporting and consolidation experience
- Strong Excel and financial systems capability (ERP experience essential)
- Experience implementing or improving finance systems/processes
Personal Attributes
- Hands-on and willing to operate at all levels of detail
- Comfortable working in ambiguity and fast-changing environments
- Strong commercial awareness and business partnering mindset
- High attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy and control
- Proactive, self-starter with a continuous improvement mindset
- Strong communication skills, able to engage both finance and non-finance stakeholders
- Experience in venture-backed or PE-backed businesses
- Exposure to fundraising, investor reporting, or due diligence processes
- Experience scaling a finance function from early stage to maturity
- Systems implementation (e.g. NetSuite, Sage Intacct, SAP, Oracle)
What Success Looks Like
- Clean, timely, and audit-ready financial reporting
- Smooth, efficient external audit process with minimal issues
- Robust financial controls suitable for scaling business
- Reliable forecasting and cash visibility for leadership team
- A finance function that evolves in line with business growth
Financial Controller employer: Cheshire Solutions
Join a dynamic and innovative company as a Financial Controller, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the finance function within a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Our collaborative work culture fosters continuous improvement and professional development, offering you the opportunity to lead a small finance team while implementing scalable processes that support our ambitious growth plans. With a focus on employee well-being and a commitment to excellence, we provide a rewarding workplace that values your contributions and encourages your career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who've worked in start-ups or scale-ups. They might have insider info on job openings or can even refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical accounting skills and understanding of IFRS/UK GAAP. Be ready to discuss how you've managed audits and improved finance processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! In a fast-paced environment, it's crucial to demonstrate how you've thrived in ambiguity and contributed to business growth. Share specific examples during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Tailor your application to highlight your experience with financial systems and team management.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Financial Controller role. Highlight your technical accounting expertise and any experience with Big Four audit firms, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your hands-on leadership style and adaptability in fast-paced environments. Let us know how you can contribute to our finance function.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We love seeing how you've driven improvements or managed successful audits!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity with StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheshire Solutions
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your technical accounting expertise. Brush up on IFRS and UK GAAP regulations, and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles. Prepare examples of financial statements you've prepared or audits you've managed.
✨Show Your Hands-On Approach
This role requires a hands-on leader, so be prepared to share specific instances where you've operated across various finance functions. Talk about your experience with cash flow management, payroll coordination, or any finance systems you've implemented. Highlight your adaptability in fast-paced environments.
✨Audit Management Experience is Key
Since you'll be leading external audits, it’s crucial to showcase your experience with Big Four firms. Discuss how you’ve coordinated audits, resolved queries, and improved audit readiness. Bring up any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure a smooth audit process.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
The ideal candidate needs a strong commercial mindset. Be ready to discuss how you've partnered with senior leadership to provide financial insights that support business decisions. Share examples of ad-hoc analyses you've conducted that contributed to strategic projects or initiatives.
