At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Group accounting and financial control while embracing automation and AI-driven tools.
- Company: Dynamic tech company focused on modernising finance processes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to lead a talented team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving systems and developing talent in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong technical accounting and leadership experience.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team and drive innovation in finance.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly capable Group Controller to lead Group accounting, financial control, and technical compliance activities. The Group Controller will lead the financial close, IFRS compliance (particularly with regards to revenue recognition and capitalised development costs), accounting policy frameworks, balance sheet integrity, internal controls and cost reporting across the Group. This is a Head-of-level role managing a team of 4 direct reports; suitable for a technically strong, hands-on leader who enjoys improving systems, strengthening processes, and developing talent within the finance organisation. You will also play a key role in modernising our finance environment by embracing automation and AI-driven tools that enhance speed, accuracy, and control.
Technical Accounting & IFRS Compliance
- Lead IFRS compliance across the Group (including IFRS 15, IFRS 16, IAS38 and IFRS 9), ensuring correct interpretation, documentation, and application.
- Maintain and develop Group accounting policies, technical papers, and the finance controls manual.
- Own revenue recognition policies across the Group, ensuring alignment with commercial agreements and IFRS 15 compliance.
- Own the monitoring, recognition, and reporting of R&D capitalised costs and intangible assets (internal development), in line with IFRS requirements (including robust documentation, impairment reviews, and accurate amortisation schedules).
- Provide expert technical guidance to CFO, Finance Director, FP&A, and commercial teams.
- Own the monthly close process, ensuring the delivery of complete, accurate and timely management accounts.
- Oversee and review journals, reconciliations, provisions, accruals, and accounting judgements.
- Lead Group consolidation activities and support the Finance Director and CFO in external reporting and statutory submissions.
- Provide high-confidence “one version of the truth” to the Head of FP&A for financial analysis.
- Design, implement, and continuously improve the Group’s internal controls environment.
- Ensure compliance with approval workflows, segregation of duties, reconciliations, and accounting controls.
- Act as a key contact for internal and external audit, coordinating audit timetables, deliverables, and technical assessments.
- Own key risk areas including revenue integrity, capitalised development costs, provisions, balance sheet quality, and accounting judgements.
- Produce monthly cost centre reports to support opex analysis and variance commentary for budget holders and the FP&A team.
- Partner with Head of FP&A to ensure consistent interpretation of financial results and alignment with forecasts and board materials.
- Support the Finance Director in elevating the quality of Group reporting and performance insight.
Financial Systems, Controls & Process Improvement
- Act as system owner for Microsoft Dynamics ERP, including requirements management, upgrades, controls design, and optimisation.
- Maintain and oversee the chart of accounts, master data structures, and reporting hierarchies.
- Drive automation, simplification and efficiency across finance processes, with a focus on control and accuracy and a willingness to embrace AI adoption to drive efficiency.
- Lead finance input into system enhancement projects, ensuring business needs are translated into scalable solutions.
Key Skills & Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA), ideally with Big 4 or strong technical accounting foundation.
- Significant experience in group financial control, technical accounting, statutory reporting and audit.
- Deep understanding of IFRS, especially revenue recognition in a SaaS environment, capitalised development costs and multi-entity consolidation.
- Strong experience owning a month-end close, implementing internal controls, and managing audits.
- Experience with (or strong interest in) AI-driven finance automation, including use cases such as automated reconciliations, anomaly detection, workflow automation, and system-driven controls.
- Prior responsibility for ERP systems.
- Strong analytical mindset, with meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Excellent communication skills, able to simplify complex accounting topics for non-financial stakeholders.
- Proven leadership experience developing high-performing finance teams.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, scaling technology or SaaS environment is desirable.
Group Financial Controller employer: EquiTalent
Contact Detail:
EquiTalent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know about opportunities for a Group Financial Controller. Don’t be shy; ask for introductions or insights into companies that are hiring.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on IFRS standards and recent changes in financial regulations. We want you to be the go-to expert in the room, so practice explaining complex topics in simple terms. This will show your communication skills and technical prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership experience! Be ready to discuss how you've developed high-performing teams and improved processes in previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to lead and innovate in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can help us modernise our finance environment with automation and AI-driven tools.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Group Financial Controller role. Highlight your technical accounting expertise, IFRS knowledge, and any leadership experience you have. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or led teams in the past. We love seeing your personality come through!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of technical accounting and compliance work, make sure to highlight your qualifications and experiences with IFRS and financial systems. If you've worked with automation tools or ERP systems, let us know how you've used them to enhance efficiency.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at EquiTalent
✨Know Your IFRS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of IFRS standards, especially IFRS 15 and IFRS 16. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, particularly in revenue recognition and capitalised development costs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Group Financial Controller, you'll be managing a team. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or improved processes. Be ready to share how you develop talent and foster a high-performing environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Savvy
With the emphasis on automation and AI-driven tools, highlight any experience you have with financial systems like Microsoft Dynamics ERP. Discuss how you've used technology to enhance accuracy and efficiency in finance processes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to accounting policies and internal controls. Prepare to explain your approach to maintaining balance sheet integrity and how you've handled audits in the past.