At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and reporting for a growing SME in a hands-on role.
- Company: Dynamic scaling business with UK and international operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and career development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on innovation and financial excellence.
- Why this job: Play a key role in shaping financial strategy during exciting growth phases.
- Qualifications: UK qualified accountant with experience in SME or mid-market businesses.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ 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
- Communication & Stakeholder Interface
- 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
- Acquisition & Integration Leadership
- 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)
- Cash, Working Capital & Risk
- 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)
- Team Leadership & Capability Building
- 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 employer: Hutcheon Mearns Ltd
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and rewarding work environment in Aberdeen, where the UK Group Financial Controller will play a pivotal role in driving financial control during a critical growth phase. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture that values clear communication and accountability, this scaling SME provides unique opportunities for career advancement and the chance to make a significant impact within the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Group Financial Controller
✨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 introduction can make all the difference when it comes to landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of financial control and reporting. Be ready to discuss how you can bring clarity and insight to the role, especially in terms of cash management and integration during acquisitions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on mindset! During interviews, share examples of how you've taken ownership in previous roles, particularly in managing financial processes and leading teams. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace UK Group Financial Controller
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, ACA, or CIMA.
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. Talk about your hands-on experience and how you can bridge the gap between finance and operations, just like we do at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves translating financial data into insights for various stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. We want to see how you can make complex information clear and actionable!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our 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, especially those related to cash flow, working capital, and profitability. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires translating complex financial data into actionable insights for various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated financial information to non-financial teams or senior management. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Demonstrate Hands-On Experience
The position is hands-on and delivery-focused, so be prepared to share specific instances where you've taken ownership of financial processes. Highlight your experience with month-end closes, statutory accounts, and audit processes, showcasing your ability to manage financial control effectively.
✨Prepare for Integration Challenges
Given the emphasis on acquisition and integration leadership, think about your past experiences in these areas. Be ready to discuss how you've aligned financial processes post-acquisition and tackled any challenges that arose. This will show your capability to handle the complexities of growth.
