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- Tasks: Lead financial transformation and enhance controllership across multiple European entities.
- Company: Join a leading international business with a focus on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and a company car.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for team development and process optimisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping finance into a strategic powerhouse.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with strong technical accounting knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
We're partnering with a leading international business to recruit a Financial Controller to join the controllership team within their European Shared Service Centre. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role with a clear mandate: to transform and elevate controllership into a best-in-class, insight-led finance function. You’ll be instrumental in shaping how finance supports a complex, multi-entity European operation - moving from efficient delivery to true strategic value. This is an opportunity to step into a role where your influence will be felt across the business. You’ll lead change, enhance control, and develop a team capable of operating at a significantly higher level. If you’re motivated by building, improving, and leading from the front, this role offers both challenge and genuine scope.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave
- 9:00 am - 17:00 - Office-based position
- Company Car
- Salary Exchange Pension Scheme
- Non-Contributory Life Assurance
- Private Medical Insurance
- Group Income Protection
About the Role:
Reporting to the Director of European Shared Services, you will take ownership of the controllership agenda across multiple European entities, driving both performance and transformation.
- Act as the European lead for R2R, setting the standard for governance, control, and best practice
- Own the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of financial reporting across all entities
- Lead balance sheet governance, ensuring risks are identified, understood, and resolved proactively
- Ensure alignment across management, statutory, and tax reporting frameworks
- Lead the end-to-end close process, driving quality, consistency, and reduced cycle times
- Create a 'first-time right' culture across journals, reconciliations, and reporting
- Oversee the delivery of clear, insightful reporting and meaningful performance analysis
- Lead the relationship with external auditors, ensuring smooth and efficient audit cycles
- Own and strengthen the control environment, including SOX compliance
- Lead, develop, and inspire a team of c.10-15, building capability and accountability
- Drive standardisation and optimisation of processes across European operations
- Identify and deliver efficiencies, improving close timelines and reporting quality
- Champion automation and the effective use of systems (SAP S/4HANA, OneStream)
- Act as a key link between Shared Services, local finance teams, and Group Finance
Qualifications:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven controllership experience within a complex, international environment
- Strong technical accounting knowledge (IFRS / US GAAP) and controls (SOX preferred)
- A track record of driving improvement, transformation, and team development
- Strong systems capability (SAP S/4HANA, OneStream or similar preferred)
Financial Controller - Shared Services employer: Howett-Thorpe Recruitment Consultants Limited
Contact Detail:
Howett-Thorpe Recruitment Consultants Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller - Shared Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the finance industry, especially those who work in shared services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s financial strategies and recent developments. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their business and can add real value.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around transformation and team leadership. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller - Shared Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Controller. Highlight your experience in controllership and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive transformation and lead teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this high-impact role. Share specific examples of how you've improved processes or led teams in the past, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for joining our European Shared Service Centre.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires strong technical accounting knowledge, make sure to mention your qualifications and experience with IFRS, US GAAP, and any systems like SAP S/4HANA or OneStream. We want to see how you can bring value to our finance function!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howett-Thorpe Recruitment Consultants Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical accounting knowledge. Brush up on IFRS and US GAAP standards, and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've driven improvements in financial reporting or controls.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team and driving transformation. Think about specific instances where you've inspired your team or improved processes. Be prepared to share your approach to developing talent and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's operations across Europe. Research their current challenges and think about how you can add strategic value. This will show that you're not just focused on numbers but also understand the broader business context.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations. Prepare for scenarios related to governance, risk management, and process optimisation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.