At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control, reporting, and audit preparation for a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join an award-winning business in the financial services industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial operations while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with 5+ years in a financial controller role.
Leads the Group's financial control, close, statutory reporting, audit preparation and finance operations capability. The role owns the integrity of the financial records, the balance sheet control framework, month-end and year-end close discipline, technical accounting judgements, financial controls, process ownership and has direct line management of the finance manager and transaction processing finance team.
Client Details
Michael Page is excited to be partnering with an award-winning business in the financial services industry. We're working with them to recruit for a Group Financial Controller based from their Weybridge, Surrey office with hybrid working offered.
Description
As the Group Financial Controller based from Weybridge, Surrey you will be responsible for
Reporting to the Finance Director, the Group Financial Controller leads the Group's financial control, close, statutory reporting, audit preparation and finance operations capability. The role owns the integrity of the financial records, the balance sheet control framework, month-end and year-end close discipline, technical accounting judgements, financial controls, process ownership and has direct line management of the finance manager and transaction processing finance team. The role provides accurate, controlled financial information to support decision-making and works closely with colleagues across the Finance Leadership Team and the wider business. While the role has a strong financial-control orientation, the successful candidate will be expected to operate collaboratively and flexibly, supporting finance improvement initiatives and wider business or strategic projects as required by the Finance Director.
Key duties and responsibilities
* Lead the month-end and year-end close timetable, ensuring deadlines are clear, dependencies are managed and outputs are completed to a high standard.
* Ensure ledgers, journals, accruals, prepayments, cut-off and key close judgements are complete, accurate and appropriately reviewed.
* Own the balance sheet control framework, ensuring key reconciliations are prepared, reviewed, evidenced and cleared on a timely basis.
* Maintain strong financial controls across the finance function and wider business, including process documentation, review evidence and action tracking.
* Provide accurate, reliable and well-controlled financial information to support reporting, planning and business decision-making.
* Lead year-end close, statutory accounts preparation support, audit preparation and delivery of audit-ready schedules and working papers.
* Coordinate audit deliverables, evidence requests and query resolution, escalating material issues or judgmental areas to the Finance Director in a timely manner.
* Lead the preparation, review and submission of relevant finance deliverables, including accounts packs, VAT returns, regulatory finance returns and other recurring finance outputs.
* Collaborate with colleagues responsible for management reporting, planning, forecasting and commercial analysis to ensure reporting outputs are based on accurate financial records.
* Support wider business and strategic projects as required by the Finance Director, bringing financial control, technical accounting and process discipline to project delivery.
* Manage and support the development of the finance operations team, setting clear expectations around ownership, quality, review standards, timetables and escalation.
* Act with delegated authority from the Finance Director on financial control, close, audit, statutory reporting and finance operations matters, escalating significant risks, judgements and resourcing issues as appropriate.
Collaboration and ways of working
* Build effective relationships across Finance, Operations, People & Culture, senior leadership and external advisers.
* Operate with a clear understanding of ownership responsibility, but with collaborative flexibility and willingness to help colleagues during peak periods while maintaining robust control standards.
* Communicate financial risks, process issues and timetable pressures clearly, constructively and early enough for action to be taken.
* Promote a finance culture based on accuracy, accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration and practical problem-solving.
Profile
* Fully qualified accountant (Ideally ACA, but ACCA/CIMA also fine)
* Minimum of 5 years' experience in a financial controller role.
* Minimum of 3 years' team management experience
* Experience within the financial services industry would be advantageous but not essential
Job Offer
- Salary £90,000 - £100,000 depending on experience
- Bonus
- Hybrid working, 2 days in the office, 3 from home, more in the office when training
- Pension 7.5% employer pension contribution with minimum 2.5% employee contribution
- Private Healthcare
- Group Income Protection (75% base salary)
- Group Life Cover (4 x base salary)
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, holidays rise with service
If you're interested in this role, apply now.
Group Financial Controller in Weybridge employer: Michael Page Finance
This thriving technology company in Yorkshire is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive culture that prioritises employee development and innovation. With opportunities for professional growth and the potential for the Interim Financial Accountant role to transition into a permanent position, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while enjoying the benefits of remote working.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Controller in Weybridge
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Michael Page Finance. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Financial Controller in Weybridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Michael Page Finance.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Michael Page Finance's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page Finance
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Michael Page Finance.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Michael Page Finance will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Michael Page Finance employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
