Strategic Financial Controller - Hybrid VCFO Lead

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.