At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead client financial operations and deliver high-quality financial management services.
- Company: Join Affinia, the UK's fastest growing purpose-led accountancy firm.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advising clients and driving business growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial management and team leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid / Cambridge, UK
Job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Accounting & Finance | Finance
Salary: Competitive salary
Reporting to: Director / Senior Leadership Team
Hours: Full time Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm (37.5 hours per week)
Affinia is the UK’s fastest growing purpose-led, purpose-built Accountancy firm, focused on building stronger, more valuable relationships. With over 1000 colleagues across the East, South East, London and the Midlands, we are dedicated to supporting our clients, colleagues and communities.
We advise businesses, public sector organisations, charities and individuals throughout the UK and internationally across six Service Lines – Accounts Solution, Taxation, Audit & Assurance, Corporate Finance, Payroll and Corporate Recovery, supported by centralised enabling functions spanning People, Finance, Marketing, Business Support, IT, Risk and Corporate Development. Our team also offer in-depth sector expertise across a number of sectors, ensuring our clients receive the best short to medium and long-term advice, tailored to them.
We are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work, adapting to the evolving technology and regulatory landscape while consistently exceeding client expectations. Our people are our most valuable asset. We are therefore committed to supporting our colleagues throughout their professional development, providing guidance and training at whatever stage of their career they join us.
Purpose of the Role:
Affinia (formally Green & Purple, Cambridge) is currently seeking a high calibre, dynamic and energetic individual to join the firm as Financial Controller within our Virtual Finance office (VCFO) Accounts team. The Financial Controller is responsible for leading client financial operations, delivering high-quality financial management services, and supporting the development of both clients and internal teams. The role combines technical accounting expertise, commercial awareness, client relationship management, and team leadership to ensure exceptional service delivery and business growth. The Financial Controller acts as a trusted advisor to clients, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement, driving financial insight, and ensuring strong operational and financial controls across all engagements.
Accountabilities:
- Own and manage client relationships from onboarding through to ongoing delivery.
- Lead financial discussions confidently with clients and stakeholders.
- Provide proactive financial advice and strategic insight.
- Lead client meetings, proposals, and service reviews.
- Identify opportunities to expand service offerings and support business growth.
- Oversee billing, recoveries, WIP, and client profitability.
- Monitor client budgets, resource allocation, and scope management.
- Support forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning activities.
- Drive efficiencies and process improvements.
Technical & Delivery Excellence:
- Review and sign off management accounts and financial reports.
- Ensure high standards of accuracy, quality, and compliance.
- Provide technical accounting guidance to clients and team members.
- Present financial information confidently to senior stakeholders.
- Coach, mentor, and develop junior team members.
- Delegate effectively while maintaining oversight and support.
- Build a collaborative and high-performing culture.
- Support performance management and development planning.
Technology & Process Improvement:
- Identify inefficiencies and recommend process improvements.
- Support implementation of improved workflows and systems.
- Champion effective use of financial systems and technology.
Risk, Quality & Compliance:
- Identify, assess, and manage financial and operational risks.
- Maintain strong quality control and compliance standards.
- Take ownership of issues through to resolution.
Skills/Qualifications:
- Experience in Transaction Services activities including FDD, valuations and financial modelling.
- Strong expertise in either or both business valuations and financial modelling, particularly with experience in valuations relating to disputes/litigation.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a genuine desire to contribute to the strategic direction and success of the Affinia group.
- Experience of managing internal stakeholders of all levels of seniority.
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Strong experience in financial management and client service delivery.
- Experience leading and developing teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including providing a high standard of service to clients.
- Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving ability.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Strong systems and technology skills.
Culture & Core Benefits:
At Affinia, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:
- Option to buy up to 3 days per annum
- Auto enrolment Pension Scheme with True Potential
- Death in Service
- Professional membership support
- Paycare – claim money back for Dental / Optical / Professional Therapies
- Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
- Dress for your Diary Policy
Affinia is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible and agile roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.
Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.
Financial Controller employer: Hollybank Trustees Ltd
Affinia is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises the professional development and wellbeing of its colleagues. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on community impact, employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive support for professional memberships, and a collaborative environment that fosters growth and innovation in the heart of Cambridge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know someone at Affinia. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your financial management skills and client relationship strategies. Be ready to share examples of how you've driven efficiencies and improved processes in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to speak with the team, let them know why you're excited about being a Financial Controller at Affinia and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Affinia family.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in financial management, client relationship management, and any relevant qualifications like ACA or ACCA. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team at Affinia. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your expertise in financial operations.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:While technical skills are crucial, don’t forget to showcase your interpersonal skills too! We value strong communication and leadership abilities, so share examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed client relationships in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hollybank Trustees Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your technical accounting expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you can lead financial discussions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed client relationships. Highlight your experience in mentoring junior team members and driving a collaborative culture, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Proactive with Solutions
Think about times when you've identified inefficiencies or recommended process improvements. Be ready to share these examples during the interview to illustrate your problem-solving abilities and commercial awareness.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
You'll likely need to present financial information to senior stakeholders. Practise explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, and consider doing mock presentations to build your confidence before the big day.
