At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, from accounting to AI-driven automation.
- Company: Join a fast-growing company as their first dedicated finance hire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a small team where your ideas truly matter.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a dynamic, high-impact role.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 3-5 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Our client is looking for a Financial Controller to become their first dedicated finance hire, working side-by-side with the CFO. This is a rare opportunity to build the finance function from the ground up in a lean, fast-moving environment. The Financial Controller will take full ownership of corporate accounting, regulatory compliance, and budgeting/forecasting, while also playing a central role in designing and implementing AI-driven tools and systems to automate manual finance and operational processes. This is a broad, high-impact, all-encompassing role suited to someone who wants to shape how finance operates as the company scales, not just maintain existing processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Corporate Accounting
- Own the full accounting cycle, including month-end and year-end close, journal entries, reconciliations, and reporting
- Prepare accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with relevant accounting standards
- Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and cash flow monitoring
- Maintain and strengthen internal controls and accounting policies
- Regulatory & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with tax filings, statutory reporting, and other regulatory requirements
- Act as the primary point of contact for auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies
- Stay current on changes in accounting standards and regulatory requirements relevant to the business
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing rolling forecasts
- Build and maintain financial models to support business planning and decision-making
- Deliver variance analysis and management reporting to the CFO and leadership team
- Provide financial insights to support strategic and operational decisions
- Systems & AI Implementation
- Identify opportunities to automate manual finance and operational workflows using AI tools and modern finance systems
- Evaluate, implement, and optimize finance software, AI tools, and process automation solutions
- Build scalable systems and processes that can support the company through its next stage of growth
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency within the finance function
- Partnership with the CFO
- Act as a true thought partner to the CFO across all finance matters
- Take ownership of projects end-to-end with minimal oversight
- Help establish finance policies, processes, and reporting cadences from scratch
About You
- Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent)
- 3-5 years of relevant industry experience, ideally including some exposure to a lean or high-growth environment
- Strong technical accounting knowledge combined with commercial and analytical thinking
- Advanced systems skills, with genuine enthusiasm for using AI and automation tools to improve finance processes
- Comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy and ownership in a small team
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work closely and effectively with a CFO and senior stakeholders
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with the ability to move seamlessly between hands-on execution and strategic thinking
- A builder's mindset. Excited by the opportunity to shape a finance function rather than inherit a fully built one
Financial Controller employer: Felbridge Partners
Join a dynamic and innovative company as their first Financial Controller, where you will have the unique opportunity to build the finance function from the ground up in a fast-paced environment. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and a culture that champions continuous improvement, you will work closely with the CFO to implement cutting-edge AI-driven tools and systems, ensuring your contributions have a significant impact on the company's success. This role not only offers competitive benefits but also fosters a collaborative atmosphere that encourages autonomy and creativity, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful difference in their careers.
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 Felbridge Partners. 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 Felbridge Partners.
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 Felbridge Partners'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 Felbridge Partners
✨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 Felbridge Partners.
✨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 Felbridge Partners 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 Felbridge Partners 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.
