At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, produce management reports, and support strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join a purpose-led business focused on employee development and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping the future of a growing business.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with strong financial expertise and leadership skills.
Join a growing, purpose-led business where you'll have the opportunity to influence strategy, strengthen financial performance, develop people and make a lasting impact, while remaining close enough to the detail to see the difference you make every day.
This is an opportunity to do far more than produce management accounts.
We're looking for a commercially minded and hands-on Financial Controller who wants to play a key role in shaping the future of a growing business. Working closely with our Managing Director, Board and senior leaders, you'll help strengthen our finance function, improve financial controls and reporting, support strategic decision-making and drive continuous improvement across the organisation.
At Chesterton House Financial Planning, we believe people do their best work when they feel trusted, supported and able to make a difference. We combine the professionalism and ambition of a growing business with a genuine commitment to employee development, wellbeing and career growth.
This role offers genuine influence, direct exposure to the Managing Director and Board, and the opportunity to help shape both the finance function and the future success of the business.
If you're looking for a role where you can combine technical expertise, commercial insight and practical leadership while remaining actively involved in day-to-day delivery, we'd love to hear from you.
Why Join Chesterton House?
At Chesterton House, we believe people do their best work when they feel trusted, supported and able to make a difference.
We are proud of the culture we have built, one that combines professionalism, accountability and high standards with genuine support, development and wellbeing.
What makes us different?
✅ Direct exposure to the Managing Director and Board
✅ Opportunity to shape and strengthen the finance function
✅ Visible influence across the wider business
✅ Genuine commitment to learning, development and career growth
✅ Strong focus on employee experience, wellbeing and belonging
✅ A culture that values ownership, ideas and continuous improvement
✅ Meaningful work that contributes to helping our clients achieve clarity, confidence and a great life
We want people to build careers with us, not simply fill positions. We invest in development, encourage constructive challenge and create opportunities for people to grow, thrive and belong.
The Opportunity
As Financial Controller, you will:
- Lead the day-to-day finance function.
- Produce accurate and timely management information.
- Strengthen financial controls, governance and reporting processes.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management activities.
- Support strategic planning and decision-making.
- Develop and coach finance colleagues.
Work closely with senior leaders to improve business performance. - Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and efficiency.
- Support strategic projects and business change initiatives.
What Success Looks Like
We're looking for somebody who can demonstrate:
Financial Technical Expertise & Control
You have strong technical finance knowledge and can provide confidence in reporting, controls, governance and financial management.
Operational Ownership & Hands-On Delivery
You're not afraid to roll your sleeves up. You stay close to the detail, take ownership and deliver results.
Commercial Insight & Decision Support
You understand the story behind the numbers and use financial information to support better decisions and business outcomes.
Influencing, Leadership & Accountability
You build credibility quickly, develop others and create accountability across teams.
Continuous Improvement & Change
You challenge how things are done and look for practical ways to improve systems, controls and performance.
About You
You'll ideally have:
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
- Leadership and management experience.
- Experience producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
- Strong financial controls and governance knowledge.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders.
- Commercial awareness and sound judgement.
- Excellent communication skills.
- A proactive, accountable and solutions-focused approach.
Experience in financial services, financial planning, wealth management or another regulated environment would be advantageous. Experience with Power BI, automation and business intelligence reporting would also be beneficial.
Our Benefits
We offer a competitive reward package including:
- Royal London pension with employer contribution and salary exchange arrangements.
- 34 days annual leave from day one, increasing with service.
- Holiday Purchase Scheme.
- Death in Service cover.
- Income Protection insurance.
- SmartTech financial wellbeing support.
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Cycle2Work Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Employee discount and savings platform.
- Professional development and training support.
Financial Controller employer: Chesterton House
At Chesterton House Financial Planning, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-led business that values trust, support, and employee wellbeing. Our culture fosters professional growth and accountability, offering direct exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to shape our finance function while making a meaningful impact. With a strong commitment to career development and a focus on continuous improvement, we provide an environment where you can thrive and contribute to our clients' success.
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 Chesterton House. 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
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 Chesterton House.
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 Chesterton House'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 Chesterton House
✨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 Chesterton House.
✨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 Chesterton House 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 Chesterton House 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.
