At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting, improve processes, and manage finance teams across EMEA.
- Company: Global organisation supporting renowned brands with a dynamic finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Immediate start available for a 6-month fixed term role.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team and drive meaningful change in financial processes.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of IFRS/US GAAP and experience in complex international environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
We're partnering with a global organisation that supports some of the world's most recognised brands and enterprises. This position is being represented to the market on a fixed term basis for a period of 6 months and therefore requires someone who is immediately available or able to start at short notice, i.e. June or very early July!
This is a highly visible role that will suit an experienced accounting professional who thrives on challenge and enjoys bringing structure to complex environments. The finance function is undergoing a period of improvement, and the successful candidate will be instrumental in unpicking existing reporting processes, investigating and resolving P&L issues and queries, strengthening controls and driving greater accuracy across financial reporting.
You will need resilience, tenacity and a hands-on approach. This is not a role for someone who is reluctant to challenge existing behaviours or processes. We are looking for an individual who can quickly assess issues, identify root causes and implement practical solutions that improve the effectiveness of the finance team and its reporting output.
As part of a high-performing finance team, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring accurate financial reporting, strengthening controls, driving process improvements and supporting strategic business initiatives across the EMEA region. You'll bring proven experience of improving processes, enhancing reporting quality and leading teams through change within a complex international environment.
This broad and varied position combines technical accounting expertise, team leadership and business partnering. You'll have the opportunity to influence financial processes, contribute to transformation initiatives and work closely with senior stakeholders across Finance, HR, Payroll, Treasury and Operations.
If you enjoy improving processes, leading teams and making a tangible impact within a dynamic international business, this role offers both challenge and career development.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the month-end close process across multiple EMEA entities, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
- Oversight of accounting activities including revenue recognition, payroll, fixed assets, leases, operating expenses and balance sheet reconciliation.
- Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations and supporting documentation prepared by the wider team.
- Investigate and resolve complex P&L issues, reporting discrepancies and process inefficiencies.
- Strengthen financial controls and improve the quality and reliability of management reporting.
- Ensure compliance with both IFRS and US GAAP requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, controls and reporting quality.
- Support transformation and system improvement projects across the finance function.
- Manage and develop both outsourced and direct finance teams.
- Have strong knowledge of IFRS and US GAAP.
- Experience managing both outsourced and direct finance teams simultaneously.
- Experience working within a complex, multi-entity and international environment.
- Experience of Percentage of Completion (POC) accounting.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent critical thinking and investigative capabilities.
- Significant accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities and ownership of month-end reporting processes.
- A track record of driving process improvements and successfully implementing change within finance functions.
Financial Controller in Staines employer: Howett Thorpe
As a global organisation supporting some of the world's most recognised brands, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that encourages innovation and professional growth. Our Financial Controller role offers the chance to lead transformative initiatives within a high-performing finance team, while enjoying competitive benefits and opportunities for career advancement in a complex international environment. Join us to make a tangible impact and thrive in a challenging yet rewarding atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Staines
✨Get Involved in Financial Networks
Join local financial associations or forums where you can connect with professionals in financial-controlling. Networking events often lead to temporary positions, as companies look for quick hires when they need extra hands.
✨Showcase Your Skills on Temporary Job Boards
Focus on platforms that specifically cater to temporary roles in finance. Sites like Reed or Totaljobs often list short-term gigs that are perfect for getting your foot in the door, and you can apply directly through our website for roles at Howett Thorpe.
✨Leverage Your Uni's Career Services
If you're still in university, tap into your career services for internship or temporary job placements. They often have insider info on companies like Howett Thorpe looking for temporary financial support, and they might help you polish your pitch.
✨Flexible Availability is Key
For temporary positions in financial-controlling, your availability can make a huge difference. Highlight your willingness to start immediately or work irregular hours when speaking to employers. This flexibility can land you that sought-after role!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Staines
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Aces:In the financial controlling game, grades and relevant certifications can make a significant difference. Be sure to highlight your academic achievements, like finance-related coursework and any professional certifications you’ve got on your CV that show you’re clued up in this area. It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just good at numbers but also know your stuff!
Quantify Your Achievements:When applying for a temporary role in financial controlling, make sure your CV reflects any previous experience with real, measurable outcomes. Use numbers to showcase your past successes, like percentage improvements in budgeting or cost savings you’ve achieved in previous roles. This not only gives us insights into your capabilities but also tells us you're results-driven.
Personalise Your Application:We love seeing applicants who take the time to tailor their applications! In your cover letter, mention why you’re particularly interested in the temporary role with Howett Thorpe and how your specific skills and experiences align with the job. Show us that you see this role as an opportunity to contribute, even if it's for a short stint!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to highlight your availability in your application. We’re interested in knowing how soon you can start and if you’re open to working flexible hours. This shows us your eagerness to jump right in and adapt to the dynamic needs of our team at Howett Thorpe.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howett Thorpe
✨Get Hands-On with Financial Tools
Being in financial controlling means you’ll likely be working with various software like Excel, Power BI, or even SAP. Make sure you brush up on these tools and prepare to discuss your experience using them. Being able to reference specific projects or analyses where you employed these programs will definitely give you an edge.
✨Prepare for Technical Financial Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to analyse financial statements or suggest budgetary strategies during the interview. Practising common financial concepts like variance analysis or cost control measures will not only boost your confidence but also prove your suitability for the role.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Adaptability
As this is a temporary position, the interviewers will want to see that you can hit the ground running. Be sure to highlight any previous short-term roles or projects where you successfully adapted to new environments quickly – this will showcase your readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Precision
In financial controlling, attention to detail is absolutely crucial. Be ready to provide examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to spot discrepancies and ensure accuracy in financial reporting. Your precision could be the factor that sets you apart in a temporary role like this one!
