At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and reporting during a critical growth phase for the company.
- Company: A successful SME with UK and international operations, focused on scaling and innovation.
- Benefits: Dynamic environment, rewarding conditions, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hands-on role with significant impact and leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Play a key role in shaping financial strategy and driving business growth.
- Qualifications: UK qualified accountant with experience in SME or mid-market businesses.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
Our client is a highly successful and scaling SME with UK and International operations. This newly created role comes at a pivotal point for the Group, driven by revenue growth, geographic expansion, and increasing financial complexity. It offers the opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the business scales with control, visibility, and confidence – an exciting prospect!
Overview of the Role
The UK Group Financial Controller will take full ownership of UK and Group financial control during a critical growth phase. Based in Aberdeen and reporting to the Managing Director, this role will act as the operational finance lead. This position is hands‑on, commercial, and delivery‑focused. It will bridge the gap between a transactionally strong finance team and the Group’s need for clear financial insight, disciplined integration, cash control, and decision‑ready reporting. This role truly owns the finance engine and will have considerable impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Group & UK Financial Control
- Own UK statutory accounts, management accounts, and audit process
- Lead month‑end close across UK entities
- Ensure balance sheet integrity (reconciliations, accruals, cut‑off, revenue recognition)
- Harmonise accounting policies between UK and international entities
- Deliver clear, structured management reporting for senior stakeholders
- Translate financial outputs into practical insights for: Managing Director, Operations leadership, External advisors (auditors, accountants, lenders)
- Act as the primary finance communicator in the UK
- Turn data into decision‑ready information
- Act as finance integration lead during acquisitions and post‑completion
- Align chart of accounts, reporting packs, and financial processes
- Identify working capital inefficiencies and margin leakage
- Implement control standards (PO, contract, and cost approval discipline)
- Support earn‑out, completion accounts, and integration reporting (as applicable)
- Provide weekly group cash visibility across the Group
- Manage debtor risk, credit limits, and aged receivables
- Support liquidity planning and intercompany funding flows
- Partner with the Managing Director on commercial risk (client concentration, margins, FX exposure)
- Line management of UK finance staff
- Set standards, cadence, and accountability
- Build a scalable finance structure to support growth and M&A
- Maintain a “no surprises” culture financially
Background and Experience
- UK qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA)
- Significant experience in SME or mid‑market businesses (£20m–£100m)
- Experience within project‑based, offshore, engineering, or services sectors
- Experience operating in multi‑entity environments
- Strong integration or change experience (systems, processes, teams)
- Comfortable working within founder‑led businesses
- Clear and confident communicator
- Commercially minded and pragmatic
- Hands‑on mindset
- High sense of ownership
- Cross‑border experience (UK and overseas HQ)
- M&A or post‑acquisition integration experience
- Familiarity with VAT, intercompany structures, and FX
What’s on Offer
- A dynamic environment
- Rewarding conditions, including a bonus
- Career development – this is a scaling business offering fantastic growth opportunities
UK Group Financial Controller in Aberdeen employer: Hutcheon Mearns Ltd
Contact Detail:
Hutcheon Mearns Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Group Financial Controller in Aberdeen
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in SMEs or mid-market businesses. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Group Financial Controller role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of financial control and reporting. Be ready to discuss how you've handled cash management and integration in past roles. Show us you can turn data into decision-ready insights!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and expertise. Use our website to find roles that excite you and match your skills. We’ve got plenty of opportunities waiting for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Group Financial Controller in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of UK Group Financial Controller. Highlight your experience in financial control, especially in SME environments, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like ACCA or ACA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your hands-on experience and how you can bridge the gap between finance and operations, just like they need.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage financial complexities and drive growth. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible!
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 get you one step closer to joining our dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hutcheon Mearns Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a UK Group Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the SME sector and be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles. Show them you can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's operations, especially their international presence. Be prepared to discuss how you would harmonise accounting policies across different entities and what challenges you foresee in this role. This shows you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll be the primary finance communicator, so practice translating complex financial information into clear, concise insights. Think about examples from your experience where you've successfully communicated financial data to non-financial stakeholders. This will highlight your ability to bridge the gap between finance and operations.
✨Show Your Hands-On Approach
This role is hands-on and delivery-focused, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've taken ownership in previous positions. Discuss your experience with month-end closes, balance sheet integrity, and any integration projects you've led. They want to see that you can roll up your sleeves and get things done!