Group Financial Controller in Saint Helens

Based on the outskirts of St. Helens within easy commute from the M6, this highly successful service business operates across several sectors, and has a group turnover in excess of £200m. One of the UK’s most vibrant and dynamic organisations, they continue to grow at a rapid pace and have a new requirement within the finance function. Supporting the group, leading on statutory accounting requirements, the role also leads on treasury management. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, the role adds value across the various business units and central group function.

Your role as Group Financial Controller/Accountant: As Group Financial Controller and Accountant, as well as treasury lead, you shall work closely with the head office finance function, taking the lead on all statutory accounting, financial accounting and treasury. Playing a pivotal role in delivering accurate reporting, strengthening controls, and driving improvements across processes and systems, this position offers exposure to group-level treasury activity, financial reporting, and treasury-related compliance. Responsible for Financial Accounts, Group Consolidations and process improvement. This is an ideal opportunity for a qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with hands-on experience within a large industry business where you have taken the lead across the duties outlined. Initially focused on the statutory accounting, this role will develop and grow into a role covering further aspects of finance within BAU.

Main Role Duties:

• Financial/Statutory Accounting: Preparation of detailed financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements across the business units, ensuring these reports are accurate and comply with relevant accounting standards and regulations. Ensure compliance with tax planning, governance, and statutory requirements. Lead on the production of financial statements and monthly management accounts as well as ensuring statutory requirements are met and filed in a timely manner across all business units and the group. Assist in the audit and consolidation processes for the Group. Assist in driving system improvements and process enhancements across the finance function. Ensure all subsidiary companies adhere to accounting standards (e.g. IFRS) and regulatory requirements. Provide independent review and challenge around Balance Sheet reporting for the Group on a periodic basis. Monitor and maintain strong internal financial controls. Provide technical advice on accounting issues. Stay up-to-date with changes in accounting standards and regulations – in particular IFRS16, IR35, tax rules. Build working relationships throughout the group and finance function. Prepare schedules for acquisition accounting of any newly acquired entities, ensuring accurate consolidation into group financial reporting. Assist in the preparation of audit technical papers such as acquisition accounting, impairment and going concern. Establish and monitor key controls, streamlining processes where possible. Ensure compliance with SOX requirements and internal control effectiveness.
• Treasury Management: Manage daily treasury operations, including cash flow forecasting and liquidity management. Ensure compliance with internal controls and external financial regulations. Prepare and review treasury-related accounting entries and reconciliations. Work with internal teams to optimise treasury processes and systems. Contribute to treasury improvement and automation projects. Preparing managing report packs.

Experience & Qualifications Required to apply: To be considered for this role you shall have experience in a fast-paced environment, and in a similar role. Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) you shall have strong knowledge of accounting standards (FRS 102 and IFRS). With proven experience in group accounting and financial consolidation you shall have the ability to work independently and manage your workload in a dynamic environment. It is essential you have commercial experience within a fast-paced SME environment and the role is ideal for a second-time mover from practice looking to broaden their commercial exposure.