Finance Controller – Education Publishing | SME

Looking to take full ownership of a finance function in a growing SME? This is a rare opportunity to step into a newly created Finance Controller role where you’ll shape reporting, influence decision-making, and play a key role in the company’s growth.

The Company

Our client is a leading subscription agency providing sales, marketing, and distribution for some of the world’s top academic publishers. They work with schools, colleges, and libraries globally, helping educators access high-quality digital resources that support teaching, learning, and student success. With over 60 resources across 9 publishers, their success relies on effective marketing, strong data management, and close collaboration between teams.

The Role

This is a newly created Finance Controller position, introduced to support the company’s continued growth and to enhance financial visibility as the business scales. As the most senior finance professional, you’ll take full ownership of the finance function, working closely with the business owner to provide insight, improve processes, and support key commercial decisions. This is a hands-on role with real influence – bridging day-to-day financial operations with strategic input that helps shape the business's direction. You’ll oversee one direct report (Accounts Receivable) and take responsibility for all other finance areas, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strong financial performance.

What you’ll be doing:

• Financial Control & Reporting
  • Own the month-end process, including reconciliations, accruals, and prepayments
  • Produce accurate and timely management accounts (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)
  • Ensure compliance with VAT and broader financial regulations
• Cashflow & Commercial Insight
  • Monitor and forecast cash flow to ensure strong liquidity and financial stability
  • Analyse financial and sales performance, providing clear insight to support decision-making
  • Produce weekly and monthly reporting, alongside deeper half-yearly analysis across territories, publishers, and products
• Team Leadership & Operations
  • Manage and support the AR Administrator, ensuring accuracy of records and effective debt collection
  • Oversee Accounts Payable, multi-currency payments, and payroll preparation for external accountants
• Systems, Controls & Process Improvement
  • Review and strengthen internal controls and financial processes
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reporting quality, and scalability as the business grows
  • Support better use of financial and operational data across the business

This role would suit someone looking to step into their first Finance Controller position or an experienced Controller seeking greater ownership in a smaller, high-impact environment.

The Package

• £60,000-80,000 salary (dependent on experience)
• Subject to company and personal performance, a discretionary annual bonus is payable
• 25 days holiday and statutory bank holidays (8 at present), plus an additional day for every two years of employment (up to 30 days).
• Early finish on Fridays
• Pension scheme
• Regular team socials and annual Christmas party
• Hybrid working
• A supportive management team that takes real pride in helping people develop and succeed

What we’re looking for

• ACA, ACCA, or CMA qualified
• Proven experience in financial management and reporting, ideally within an SME environment
• Strong technical skills (e.g. Xero, Excel), with the ability to turn data into meaningful insight
• Comfortable working in a hands-on role with ownership across the full finance function

If you’re looking for a role where you can take real ownership, influence business decisions, and be part of a close-knit, growing team, this is a fantastic opportunity to step up.