At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of financial control and build robust processes in a fast-growing SME.
- Company: Dynamic group backed by an established international parent, focused on construction consulting.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, remote work flexibility, and immediate impact on the business.
- Other info: Immediate start required; thrive in a high-trust, fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Join at the ground floor and shape the future of finance in a high-growth environment.
- Qualifications: CIMA/ACA/ACCA qualified with hands-on experience in finance processes and systems.
Interim Financial Controller High‑Growth Group | Yorkshire (must be based in the region). £300–£375 per day | Immediate Start
As an interim you've seen and experienced a lot. And know the good (as well as not good) that growing SMEs face. This is in no way a role you will maintain the status quo. This is a role needing you to have immediate impact.
The Opportunity
A newly formed UK group, backed by a well‑funded and established 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
- Support the newly acquired businesses in their management accounts, reporting and year-end requirements
- 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–£375 per day
- Potentially outside ir35
Summary
If you enjoy stepping into high‑growth, high‑trust environments… If you like being the person who builds the foundations others rely on… And if you want your work to matter from day one… This is an opportunity to leave a genuine mark.
Interim Financial Controller - High Growth SME in Wakefield employer: Ingham Frankland Fide
As an Interim Financial Controller in this high-growth SME, you will be part of a dynamic and ambitious team that is shaping the future of the finance function within a rapidly expanding group. With a focus on autonomy and immediate impact, you'll have the opportunity to build robust financial processes while working closely with a supportive leadership team in a high-trust environment. The role offers flexibility with predominantly remote work and the chance to make a significant difference from day one, making it an excellent employer for those looking to thrive in a fast-paced setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Financial Controller - High Growth SME in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and construction sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for interim roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't even advertised yet!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! When you land an interview, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Show them you’re not just about strategy but also about rolling up your sleeves and getting things done.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your pitch! Make sure to highlight your experience in high-growth environments and your ability to implement financial processes from scratch. This is what they want to hear, so make it front and centre in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of great opportunities, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Financial Controller - High Growth SME in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Financial Controller. Highlight your experience in high-growth SMEs and any hands-on financial control work you've done. We want to see how you can make an immediate impact!
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. Share specific examples of how you've built financial processes from scratch and thrived in fast-paced environments. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your qualifications, especially if you're CIMA/ACA/ACCA qualified. Also, highlight your familiarity with Sage and your ability to tackle messy balance sheets. We’re looking for someone who can dive into the details and fix issues decisively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ingham Frankland Fide
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Financial Controller, you need to be on top of your game with financial data. Brush up on balance sheets, reconciliations, and journals before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in past roles.
✨Show Your Hands-On Approach
This role is all about getting stuck in and making an immediate impact. Prepare examples that showcase your hands-on experience in building and implementing finance processes. Highlight situations where you've turned chaos into order.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the construction consulting and engineering sectors. Research the company’s recent acquisitions and think about how you can support their integration. This will show your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Autonomy
The role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully navigated ambiguity and taken ownership in previous positions. Show that you're comfortable with both the detail and the bigger picture.
