Business Controller ( Finance) in Scotland

Business Controller ( Finance) in Scotland

Scotland Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance while managing audits and controls.
  • Company: Join a dynamic finance team at a leading organisation focused on growth and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities in a supportive and engaging workplace.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on financial integrity and compliance in a fast-paced setting.
  • Qualifications: Fully qualified chartered accountant with strong IFRS knowledge and ERP experience.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

The Controller role sits at the heart of the Financial Controllership function, owning the integrity, accuracy and compliance of group financial reporting. The role provides the first line of rigorous review and challenge across the monthly and annual reporting cycle, maintaining strong financial controls, co-ordinating audit processes and providing specialist technical accounting oversight across complex areas. It acts as the primary control point and risk identifier across the balance sheet and reporting cycle, working collaboratively with Finance Operations, Commercial Finance and the External Reporting team. The role reports to the Finance Director.

Role Delivery

  • Provide independent, evidence-based review of monthly and annual group reporting outputs, ensuring submissions are technically compliant, fully supported and free from material misstatement.
  • Embed the existing Control Self-Assessment (CRSA) process; perform periodic testing of key controls and track remediation of any deficiencies identified.
  • Own the balance sheet review framework, including risk-based account prioritisation and a structured deep dive programme; identify risks early and drive timely resolution.
  • Develop and maintain a financial risk register covering reporting risks, control weaknesses and compliance exposures; provide regular reporting to Finance Director and CFO / Finance Leadership.
  • Act as the central co-ordination point for external audit fieldwork, ensuring timely and high-quality responses and supporting External Reporting in delivering statutory accounts and audit completion.
  • Provide review and challenge on complex accounting areas including revenue recognition, lease accounting (IFRS 16), provisions, estimates and tax-sensitive areas, ensuring positions are technically robust and audit-ready.

Responsibilities

  • Preparation and review of monthly controlling reports and IFRS packs for group submission, including completion of all relevant disclosure note requirements.
  • Act as the primary quality control layer across the reporting cycle through challenging significant judgements, estimates and non-routine transactions.
  • Ensure controls are clearly documented, embedded into processes and operating consistently across all entities.
  • Own the balance sheet review framework, including risk-based account prioritisation and a structured deep dive programme.
  • Perform independent review of high-risk balances and complex or judgemental areas.
  • Define and maintain key financial controls, control owners (across Finance Operations and Commercial Finance) and preventative vs detective controls.
  • Support External Reporting in delivering statutory accounts and audit completion.
  • Stabilise indirect tax processes (VAT & CIS) through process review and preparation then transition these areas to junior members in the team.
  • Act as the primary interface with Internal Audit (where applicable).
  • Ensure risks are identified early, clear ownership exists for resolution, and issues are escalated appropriately.
  • Develop and maintain a financial risk register covering reporting risks, control weaknesses and compliance exposures, ensuring risks are clearly articulated, quantified where possible, and actively managed and tracked.
  • Provide review and challenge on complex accounting areas, including revenue recognition, lease accounting (IFRS 16), provisions and estimates, and tax-sensitive areas. Ensure positions are technically robust and documentation is audit-ready.

Qualifications

  • Fully qualified chartered accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent).
  • Experience with ERP environments (e.g. SAP, Navision, InforBI) and reporting tools; experience supporting or operating through ERP migrations is an advantage.
  • Strong working knowledge of IFRS, with experience reviewing complex accounting areas and judgements.
  • Experience in a group reporting function within a scaling or M&A-active organisation.
  • Experience operating within a financial controls framework.
  • Understanding of control design, documentation and testing.
  • Understanding of the statutory audit process and financial statements preparation under IFRS.

Business Controller ( Finance) in Scotland employer: Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment

As a Business Controller in our dynamic finance team, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises integrity and accuracy in financial reporting. We offer robust employee growth opportunities, including professional development and exposure to complex accounting areas, all within a supportive environment that values your contributions. Located in a vibrant area, our company provides unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
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Contact Detail:

Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Controller ( Finance) in Scotland

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in roles similar to the Business Controller. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your IFRS knowledge and financial controls. We recommend practising common interview questions related to financial reporting and risk management to show you’re ready to tackle the role head-on.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you and match your skills, making your application stand out!

✨Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the Business Controller position.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Controller ( Finance) in Scotland

Financial Reporting
Technical Accounting
IFRS Knowledge
Risk Management
Audit Coordination
Control Self-Assessment (CRSA)
Balance Sheet Review
Financial Controls Framework
Revenue Recognition
Lease Accounting (IFRS 16)
Provisions and Estimates
Tax Compliance
ERP Systems (e.g. SAP, Navision, InforBI)
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Controller role. Highlight your experience with IFRS, financial controls, and any relevant ERP systems you've worked with. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to maintain strong financial controls and manage complex accounting areas. This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the position's requirements.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Business Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your strong grasp of financial reporting and IFRS standards. Brush up on key accounting principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. Prepare examples of complex accounting areas you've tackled, like revenue recognition or lease accounting.

✨Master the Control Framework

Familiarise yourself with control frameworks and the importance of risk management in financial reporting. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented or improved control processes in past positions. Highlight any experience you have with Control Self-Assessments (CRSA) and how you've tracked remediation of deficiencies.

✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills

This role requires working closely with various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with finance operations, external auditors, or other departments. Emphasise your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to financial controls, compliance, and audit processes. Review common scenarios that may arise in a Business Controller role and think through your responses. Being able to articulate your thought process and decision-making will show your expertise and readiness for the position.

Business Controller ( Finance) in Scotland
Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment
Location: Scotland

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