At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and drive strategic growth in a dynamic PE-backed environment.
- Company: Join a successful B2B Services group with a focus on rapid growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £90,000 plus bonus and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career acceleration in a high-volume service setting.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a pivotal finance leadership role.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 5+ years of experience in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
PE-Backed Business Services Group
Location: Central London | Hybrid (3 days in the office, 2 days from home)
Package: Up to £90,000 + Bonus and Comprehensive Benefits
Nirvana Search is exclusively partnering with a highly successful, Private Equity-backed B2B Services group to recruit a commercially astute and technically robust Financial Controller.
Operating in a fast-paced, contract-led environment, the business is executing an aggressive buy-and-build strategy and undergoing a period of rapid acquisitive and organic growth.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this is a fantastic opportunity for an impactful finance leader to take full ownership of the day-to-day finance function while adding significant strategic value to a highly acquisitive business.
You will be joining a dynamic PE-backed environment where you will not only ensure rigorous financial control and board-level reporting but also partner closely with the Executive team to integrate newly acquired businesses, drive contract profitability, and build a highly scalable finance function.
This role is perfect for a senior finance professional looking to take a pivotal leadership role in a buy-and-build growth story and play a key part in its future exit strategy.
You will be responsible for:
- M&A & Post-Merger Integration: Play a critical role in the financial onboarding of newly acquired entities. Lead the alignment of reporting, systems, and controls, and support the wider executive team with financial due diligence and commercial evaluation of target acquisitions.
- Financial Leadership & Reporting: Lead the end-to-end month-end close process and oversee the finance team, producing accurate, timely management accounts and comprehensive board packs with detailed variance analysis.
- Commercial Analysis: Partner with non-finance stakeholders and the wider leadership team to review operational performance. Drive deep-dive analysis into project profitability and acquisition synergies, ensuring margins are protected and optimised.
- Working Capital & Cash Flow: Direct rigorous cash flow forecasting and working capital management strategy, maintaining tight controls over WIP (Work in Progress), billing, and credit control across the enlarged group.
- Process Optimisation & Scalability: Spearhead continuous improvements across financial systems and workflows to drive efficiency, automate processes, and ensure the finance function can seamlessly scale with ongoing M&A activity.
- Audit & Statutory Compliance: Act as the primary lead for external auditors, managing the year-end audit process, statutory reporting, and ensuring full tax and regulatory compliance for all group entities.
Knowledge and Experience
We are looking for a highly driven candidate who is ready to accelerate their career and step into a leadership position within a fast-paced, high-volume service environment.
- Qualified Accountant: (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is essential.
- Experience: 5+ years post-qualification experience, ideally within a B2B services, contract-led, or project-based environment. Previous team management or supervisory experience is highly desirable.
- M&A & PE Exposure: Prior experience within a highly acquisitive or Private Equity-backed environment is a distinct advantage. Proven exposure to post-merger integration, scaling finance functions, or due diligence will make your application stand out.
- Technical & Commercial Balance: Superior core accounting skills combined with the commercial acumen to understand the drivers behind the numbers and influence strategic decision-making.
- Systems Savvy: Advanced Excel skills and a proven track record of upgrading and harmonising financial systems across multiple entities.
Personal Skills & Attributes
- Hands-on & Agile: A true "player-manager" who is willing to get into the detail while maintaining a strategic view of the broader group.
- Highly Organised: Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines during periods of intensive M&A activity.
- Strong Communicator: Confident in challenging the status quo, presenting financial narratives to the board, and building relationships with operational and commercial teams.
- Resilient: Thrives under the pressure of a rapidly growing, target-driven business.
If you are a driven finance leader looking to make your mark in a PE-backed buy-and-build growth story, apply in confidence to Nirvana Search now.
Financial Controller in London employer: Nirvana Search
Join a dynamic and innovative PE-backed professional services group that values your contributions and fosters a collaborative work culture. With competitive compensation, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and ample opportunities for professional growth, this role as a Finance Manager offers you the chance to thrive in a fast-paced environment while being part of a supportive team dedicated to excellence in M&A activities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in London
✨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 Nirvana Search. 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 Financial Controller in London
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 Nirvana Search.
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 Nirvana Search'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 Nirvana Search
✨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 Nirvana Search.
✨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 Nirvana Search 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 Nirvana Search 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.
