Interim Financial Controller | Hyper-growth UK start-up in Wakefield

A newly formed UK group, backed by a well‑founded international parent, has been created through an ambitious acquisition strategy in the Construction Consulting and Engineering services space. In just 12 months, the group has grown from £0 to c.£100m revenue – and this is only the beginning. The UK platform is at an early but critical stage. Growth is fast, expectations are high, and much of the finance infrastructure is still being shaped. This creates a rare opportunity to step in at the ground floor, with the freedom – and backing – to put robust financial foundations in place.

An Interim Financial Controller is now required to help stabilise, build and scale the finance function as the group continues to acquire and integrate businesses.

Why This Role Is Different

• Joining during the build phase, not once everything is polished
• Working closely with a highly credible, down‑to‑earth Group Finance Director and leadership team
• Genuine influence over systems, controls, reporting and ways of working
• Immediate visibility of impact – decisions made now shape the future
• High trust, high autonomy environment
• A mandate to roll sleeves up and get things done

This is not a hands‑off or purely strategic assignment. It requires someone who enjoys doing, building, fixing and improving – often simultaneously – in a fast‑moving, imperfect environment.

The Brief

As Interim Financial Controller, the role will play a central part in:

• Taking ownership of day‑to‑day financial control across newly acquired UK businesses
• Getting fully immersed in the numbers – balance sheets, reconciliations, journals and queries
• Reviewing, creating and embedding core financial processes, controls and reporting
• Supporting month‑end close in a growing, evolving group environment
• Working closely with Directors of acquired entities to introduce consistency, discipline and clarity
• Supporting the integration of finance operations as the group scales through acquisition
• Identifying risks, gaps and quick wins – and then fixing them

You’ll be trusted with autonomy, supported by the Group FD, and given the mandate to improve things properly – but you’ll need to be comfortable operating where not everything yet exists.

Who This Will Suit

This role will suit an experienced, pragmatic Interim Financial Controller who:

• Thrives in SME, owner‑managed or high‑growth environments
• Is genuinely hands‑on and comfortable in the detail
• Has built and implemented finance processes from scratch
• Is confident joining businesses mid‑flight and bringing order at pace
• Knows Sage well and isn't precious about system limitations
• Can quickly understand messy balance sheets and resolve issues decisively
• Ideally has experience in construction, engineering or contracting, including WIP and cut‑off
• Is CIMA/ACA/ACCA qualified

Most importantly, this suits someone who doesn't turn their nose up at doing the work – while also knowing how to design something better for the future.

Location & Working Pattern

• Predominantly remote
• Senior leadership currently operates from the York / Doncaster / Leeds area
• Occasional travel to group offices will be required
• A more centralised operating model may follow as the group matures

Contract & Future Prospects

• Immediate start required (1–2 weeks max)
• Interim rate circa £300‑£380 per day (top end for the right individual)

Summary

If you enjoy stepping into high‑growth, high‑trust environments, build foundations others rely on and want your work to matter from day one, this is an opportunity to leave a genuine mark.