At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and strategic decision-making in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Reputable professional services firm with a focus on pension scheme oversight.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and drive process improvements in finance.
- Why this job: Accelerate your career with direct exposure to senior leadership and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with strong financial reporting skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
London (Liverpool Street) | Hybrid (2 days office / 3 days remote) £60,000 – £70,000 + Benefits
Our client, a reputable professional services business offering pension scheme oversight, is seeking a commercially minded Financial Controller to join its leadership team. This role offers a broad remit and significantly greater exposure than a typical Financial Controller position, making it an excellent opportunity for an ambitious qualified accountant looking to step into a highly visible leadership role.
Reporting directly to the CFO, you will play a key role in financial leadership, FP&A, and strategic decision-making. This opportunity would suit a qualified accountant looking to broaden their experience beyond technical finance responsibilities, gain exposure to board-level activity, and develop into a senior finance leader.
The Opportunity
You will take ownership of the day-to-day finance function, oversee a team of two, and ensure robust financial control across our client’s multiple business units and two legal entities.
Responsibilities will include:
- Leading the month-end and year-end close processes
- Producing statutory accounts and managing the annual audit
- Managing cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning
- Delivering high-quality management information and board reporting, presenting insights that support strategic decision-making
- Maintaining strong financial controls and audit readiness
- Overseeing corporation tax, VAT and wider compliance matters
- Building and developing forecasting, budgeting and scenario models
- Supporting strategic decision-making through commercial and financial analysis
- Managing and developing two Finance Assistants
- Driving process improvement, automation and finance systems enhancement, helping to shape the future finance function
- Working with senior stakeholders across the business on operational and commercial initiatives
- Supporting shareholder and executive-level reporting requirements
About You
We are interested in speaking with qualified accountants who combine strong technical foundations with commercial curiosity and a proactive mindset, ideally possessing the following:
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification is essential
- Typically 3-6 years’ post-qualified experience, although applications from candidates with broader or earlier leadership exposure are welcomed
- Previous experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Senior Finance Manager, Financial Reporting Manager, Group Accountant, FP&A Manager or equivalent
- Strong financial reporting, control and audit experience
- Excellent Excel and financial modelling capabilities
- Experience producing management accounts and board reporting
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- A process improvement and automation mindset
- The ability to operate effectively within a lean, fast-moving environment
- Evidence of taking ownership, driving improvement initiatives, or contributing beyond core finance responsibilities would be highly valued.
- Experience of finance systems implementation, FP&A, cash flow modelling or pensions/investments environments would be advantageous.
Why Apply?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful and established organisation where finance plays a central role in business decision-making. This role offers an exceptional platform for a qualified accountant looking to accelerate their career and broaden their exposure beyond traditional finance responsibilities.
You’ll gain:
- Direct exposure to senior leadership and board-level discussions
- Broad ownership across finance, planning and operational improvement
- Significant autonomy and influence
- Hybrid working with a central London office location
Financial Controller employer: Davies Group
Join a leading legal firm in London that prioritises innovation, collaboration, and professional development. As a Complex Injury Large Loss Lawyer, you will benefit from a competitive salary, hybrid working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance and generous holiday options. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your expertise in high-value litigation within a supportive team environment, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
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 Davies Group. 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 Davies Group.
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 Davies Group'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 Davies Group
✨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 Davies Group.
✨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 Davies Group 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 Davies Group 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.
