Interim Head of Financial Control & Reporting in England

Based in Northamptonshire / Hybrid (2 days per week expected in the office). Excellent opportunity working for this market leading B2C consumer services group. An urgent requirement exists for a qualified finance professional to join the team as Head of Financial Reporting and Control. This pivotal role will oversee all financial reporting, control processes, and compliance for our client who is an AIM-listed business. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong practice background, ideally experience of a Plc listed environment, and the ability to lead and develop a high-performing finance function.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Control: Develop, implement, and maintain a strong financial control framework, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards, AIM Rules, and company policies.
• Statutory & Regulatory Reporting: Oversee the preparation and submission of timely and accurate financial statements, annual reports, interim results, and other regulatory filings required by the London Stock Exchange and AIM.
• Management Reporting: Deliver accurate, timely management accounts and financial analysis for both the division and Group to support the executive team and Board in strategic decision-making. Responsibility for the accounts payable and payroll functions.
• Risk Management/Balance Sheet ownership: Identify financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies, ensuring robust controls are in place to safeguard company assets.
• Team Leadership: Lead three direct reports to motivate and develop the wider control team, ensuring the highest standards of performance, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Audit & Compliance: Manage annual audits, liaise with external and internal auditors, and ensure all audit requirements are met. Address audit findings, implement recommendations and prepare reports for the risk and audit committees that you will also attend.
• Process Improvement: Review and enhance financial processes, systems, and controls to drive efficiency, mitigate risk, and support business growth. Ownership of quarterly risk reviews for the group to feed into annual reporting.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key point of contact for financial matters with external stakeholders, including banks, regulators, and advisers.
• Corporate Governance: Support the Board and senior management with governance matters, including establishing and maintaining policies in line with AIM requirements.
• Tax & Treasury: Oversee tax compliance, planning, and treasury functions, ensuring optimal cash management and compliance with tax regulations. Support or assume the role of company secretary, ensuring statutory filings and governance standards are met.

Ideal Candidate Background

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven track record in financial control and reporting roles gained within a listed or AIM-listed environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS, UK GAAP, and AIM Rules for Companies.
• Demonstrable experience of managing audits and liaising with auditors or experience of working within audit.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work under pressure, deliver to tight deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Previous experience either acting or deputising as a Company Secretary would be an advantage although not essential.
• Available to start at short notice or immediately available.