At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring smooth operations and strategic insights.
- Company: Join Shephard Group, a leader in defence market intelligence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, and remote work flexibility.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape finance in a growing company and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong operational and technical accounting skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Part-time Financial Controller (3-4 days a week) who will be responsible for owning the entire finance function at Shephard, reporting directly to the COO. This is a hands‐on role combining operational ownership, financial control, and commercial insight. The Financial Controller will review existing book‐keeping provision and ensure the finance function runs smoothly day to day, while also providing clear, timely information to support decision‐making and growth. The role is fully remote, with quarterly in‐person company off‐site meetings.
About Shephard Group: Shephard Group is a leading provider of market intelligence and marketing solutions to the defence industry. Our clients are drawn from across the defence supply chain and include some of the largest defence companies in the world. The company has now entered a period of substantial growth and the management team is looking to scale the business in the next three to five years with an eye towards a potential investment or exit.
Why Join Shephard Group:
- Collaborative and values‐driven work environment
- Opportunity to work in a growing and innovative company at the forefront of an important industry
- Professional growth opportunity to shape and lead a finance function in an entrepreneurial business
- Competitive salary and incentive structure
What we are looking for: This role is perfect for someone who is comfortable being the sole finance lead, able to move between detail and strategy, and keen to shape how finance supports the wider business. The ideal candidate has experience of subscriptions businesses, can be hands‐on and detail‐oriented, but commercially minded; can communicate clearly with non‐finance colleagues; is pragmatic and solutions‐focused and can think beyond pure accounting compliance.
Core responsibilities:
- Ownership of the finance function
- Bank reconciliations, cash oversight and visibility
- Rolling 13‐week cashflow forecast
- Accounts payable and receivable (AP/AR): fully supervise existing AP and AR processes, and review the existing outsourced provision.
- Payroll ownership
- Month‐end close and management reporting
- Financial control, policies and risk
- System, process improvement and projects
Experience and background:
- Qualified accountant (or equivalent experience)
- Strong operational and technical accounting background
- Experience owning a finance function as a sole or senior lead
- Experience producing management accounts
- Strong cashflow and forecasting experience
- Experience with accounting systems (Xero preferred)
- Exposure to systems implementation or process improvement projects
What success looks like:
- Finance operates smoothly with minimal escalation
- Cash position and forecasts are accurate and trusted
- Payroll runs reliably with no surprises
- Month‐end is predictable and timely
- The COO spends significantly less time in finance detail
- Finance is seen as a proactive, value‐adding function
What We Offer:
- 25 days annual leave
- Work from home
- Laptop, phone and home office equipment if needed
- Contributory Private medical insurance
- Life cover
- Employee assistance programme
- Maternity and Paternity leave
- Armed forces leave
Shephard Group Values:
- A Desire to Excel: We are committed to delivering the highest standards in everything we do
- Challenging the Status Quo: We constantly seek opportunities to innovate and improve by questioning established practices
- Treating Our Colleagues and Customers with Integrity: We foster trust and respect through honesty and ethical behaviour
- Seeking Creative Solutions: We approach problems with creativity, aiming to find more effective and forward‐thinking solutions
Shephard Group is an equal‐opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all.
Financial Controller - 3-4 days a week in London employer: Collingwood Group
Shephard Group is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and values-driven work environment that prioritises professional growth and innovation within the defence industry. As a part-time Financial Controller, you will have the unique opportunity to shape and lead the finance function in a rapidly growing company, all while enjoying the flexibility of remote work and competitive benefits, including generous annual leave and private medical insurance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller - 3-4 days a week in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Shephard Group and understand their values and goals. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around financial control and operational ownership.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage finance functions effectively. Highlight your experience with cashflow forecasting and process improvements to stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Shephard Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller - 3-4 days a week in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Controller. Highlight your experience in finance functions, especially if you've worked in a sole lead capacity before. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Shephard Group. Share specific examples of how you've added value in previous roles and how you can do the same for us.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don't just list your qualifications—tell us about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. We love candidates who can think creatively and find solutions, so let that shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at Shephard Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Collingwood Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed cash flow, forecasting, and month-end processes in previous roles. This shows you're not just familiar with the numbers but can also provide insights.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
The role requires someone who can think beyond compliance and offer creative solutions. Prepare examples of challenges you've faced in finance and how you resolved them. This will highlight your pragmatic approach and ability to add value to the business.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll be the primary finance lead, so it's crucial to communicate effectively with non-finance colleagues. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between finance and other departments.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research Shephard Group and its position in the defence industry. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their growth plans and how you can contribute to shaping the finance function as they scale. This shows your genuine interest in the company and its future.
