At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team and ensure accurate financial reporting in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic, PE-backed service business focused on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to work closely with the CFO.
- Other info: High-visibility role with excellent growth potential in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising financial systems and driving strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA with 5-8 years of experience in the service industry.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Sector: Private Equity-Backed
Morgan McKinley are supporting a PE backed business in their search for a Group Financial Controller, you will be the backbone of the finance function. We are a fast-paced, PE-backed service business where accuracy, speed, and visibility are paramount. You will lead the core finance team and oversee the FP&A function to ensure that our commercial decisions are backed by "one version of the truth." This is a high-visibility role, acting as the right hand to the CFO and ensuring the business is audit-ready, scalable, and operationally excellent.
Financial Control & Reporting
- Consolidation: Lead the month-end close process for the Group, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of management accounts.
- Service-Sector Metrics: Own the reporting of service-specific KPIs, including WIP (Work in Progress), Revenue Recognition, and Staff Utilization.
- The "Audit-Ready" Environment: Maintain a robust control framework across the group to satisfy PE-level scrutiny and year-end requirements.
Leadership & FP&A Integration
- Team Leadership: Manage and develop a team of [Number], overseeing the transactional and management accounting functions.
- FP&A Oversight: While managing the "actuals," you will oversee the FP&A lead to ensure that budgeting, rolling forecasts, and variance analyses are integrated with the core ledger.
- System Optimization: Drive the improvement of financial systems to automate manual reporting and enhance data integrity.
Cash & Working Capital
- Cash Flow Excellence: Manage the group's cash position, with a focus on optimizing the Order-to-Cash (O2C) cycle within a service-based billing environment.
- Debt Management: Monitor banking covenants and provide necessary reporting to lenders and PE investors.
The Candidate Profile
- Qualified: ACA / ACCA / CIMA with substantial post-qualified experience (likely 5-8 years+).
- Service Industry Background: Experience in a business where "people are the product" is highly desirable (understanding billable hours, project margins, and contract revenue).
- PE Experience: You are comfortable with the "weekly/monthly" reporting rhythm required by Private Equity and the focus on EBITDA integrity.
- Technical Expert: A strong technician who enjoys "getting under the hood" of the accounts to fix processes and improve accuracy.
- Communication: Ability to distill complex technical accounting into clear, commercial summaries for the CFO and the Board.
Group Financial Controller - Morgan McKinley in Milton Keynes employer: Morgan McKinley
Morgan McKinley is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where precision and speed are at the forefront of our operations. As a Group Financial Controller, you will not only lead a dedicated finance team but also have the opportunity to shape financial strategies in a fast-paced, Private Equity-backed service business. Our culture promotes professional growth, with ample opportunities for development and a commitment to maintaining an audit-ready, scalable operation that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Controller - Morgan McKinley in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in private equity. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding of financial metrics. Be ready to discuss how you've improved processes in past roles, as this will resonate well with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership abilities! If you’ve managed teams before, be sure to highlight your experience in developing talent and overseeing financial functions. This is key for a Group Financial Controller role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can bring their expertise to our team. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Financial Controller - Morgan McKinley in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Group Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in financial control, reporting, and team leadership to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this role and how your background in the service industry makes you a great candidate. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise, especially in areas like FP&A and cash flow management. We want to know how you can help us maintain an 'audit-ready' environment and improve our financial systems.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. 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 Morgan McKinley
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Group Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics like EBITDA, cash flow, and service-specific KPIs. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive business decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've led finance teams in the past. Highlight your experience in developing talent and fostering a collaborative environment, as well as any specific achievements that showcase your leadership style.
✨Understand the PE Landscape
Since this position is within a PE-backed business, it's crucial to understand the unique demands of private equity. Familiarise yourself with the reporting rhythms and what PE investors look for in terms of financial performance and governance. This knowledge will set you apart.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to distil complex financial information into clear summaries for the CFO and Board. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. Consider preparing a few examples where you've successfully communicated financial insights to non-financial stakeholders.
