Financial Controller

Join Great British Energy and be part of powering the UK’s Clean Energy Future. At GBE, we’re not just building an energy company – we’re shaping the future of the UK’s energy landscape. Our mission is clear:

• Drive clean energy deployment across the UK as a strategic developer, investor, and owner of renewable projects.
• Deliver benefits for communities and taxpayers, ensuring the clean energy transition creates jobs, boosts local economies, and increases public ownership.

We focus on innovation, sustainability, and impact, working on projects that matter – from large-scale national renewable investments to empowering local and community energy initiatives.

Joining GBE means:

• Purpose-driven work.
• Career growth opportunities to develop expertise in cutting-edge energy technologies and strategic investment.
• Collaboration and flexibility, working with passionate professionals in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment.

If you want to make a real difference and help power a greener, fairer future for the UK, GBE is the place for you. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

About the Role:

Great British Energy is looking for a Financial Controller to join our GBE Central Finance Team. This role will play a key part in contributing to projects, objectives, and wider organisational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of GBE’s financial policies, procedures, and internal control framework, ensuring alignment with HM Treasury, FReM and Managing Public Money requirements.
• Lead and deliver the Annual Report and Accounts (ARA), including preparation of financial statements, supporting notes, and working papers to audit standard.
• Act as a key contact for external auditors, responding to audit queries and ensuring timely provision of high-quality supporting information.
• Lead the development and maintenance of accounting policies, ensuring transactions and investments are accurately recorded in accordance with IFRS/FReM and agreed treatments with DESNZ and HM Treasury.
• Execute and continuously improve month-end and year-end close processes, including journal preparation, accruals/prepayments, and variance analysis.
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and appropriate supporting evidence across all accounts.
• Oversee treasury and cash management activities, including monitoring cash balances, forecasting funding requirements, and ensuring timely and accurate recording of cash movements.
• Oversee the development and operation of cash management processes, including payment controls and reconciliation of bank accounts.
• Oversee the preparation of VAT returns and corporation tax computations, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Review VAT arrangements to determine the most appropriate VAT structure for GBE once it has a subsidiary organisation.
• Provide analytical support and financial insight on key areas such as non-current assets, investments, and working capital.
• Lead the development and implementation of counter-fraud controls and financial assurance processes.
• Provide financial advice and guidance to teams across GBE, supporting compliance with internal policies and government finance rules.
• Support continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and reporting in a fast-paced start-up environment.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Strong understanding of financial reporting and accounting standards (IFRS / FReM), including preparation of statutory accounts.
• Experience of working in a public sector organisation, ALB, or government environment, or demonstrable understanding of Managing Public Money and HM Treasury guidance.
• Proven experience in leading month-end processes, including journal preparation, accruals, prepayments, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Experience leading external audits, including preparation of audit files and responding to auditor queries.
• Experienced in creating a positive control environment, ensuring funds are used as intended and that internal and external financial reporting meets high standards.
• A full financial qualification (CCAB, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).

Personal Qualities:

• Takes ownership, shows confidence in decision-making, and is willing to challenge constructively.
• Focuses on delivering meaningful outcomes and making a positive, lasting impact.
• Works collaboratively, valuing different perspectives and building inclusive relationships.
• Proactive and adaptable, with a curiosity to explore new ideas and improve ways of working.
• Resilient and resourceful in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer:

• Performance-related bonus scheme.
• 4x salary life assurance.
• Group income protection.
• 38 days annual leave.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Supportive, inclusive working environment.