At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of group finance, produce reports, and manage payroll for a dynamic team.
- Company: Established property maintenance and construction contractor with a turnover nearing £10m.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, holiday entitlement, and on-site parking.
- Other info: Enjoy a hands-on role with a focus on analysis rather than data entry.
- Why this job: Gain direct board exposure and influence business decisions in a modern finance function.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or strong experience at Financial Controller level, ideally in construction.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Standalone senior finance role with full ownership of a group finance function, direct board exposure and real influence over how the business is run. Ideal for a hands-on Financial Controller who wants ownership rather than a big team to manage.
About us: We’re an established multi-trade property maintenance and construction contractor, turnover approaching £10m, around 80 staff, working on long-term frameworks with local authorities, housing associations and national institutional clients. Purchase invoice capture and bank reconciliation run through AI-driven systems integrated with Xero, so this role is about oversight, exception handling and analysis, not data entry.
The role: You’ll produce all management and statutory reporting across the group, run payroll and payments, work alongside our Accounts Assistant on credit control, and act as the primary finance contact for the board, our lender and our external accountants. We retain an external practice for year-end review and tax sign-off. Everything else is prepared in-house.
What you'll be doing:
- Own Xero across all group companies and produce monthly management accounts and a consolidated group pack within 10 working days of month end
- Oversee AI-driven invoice capture and reconciliation, resolving exceptions and refining coding rules
- Manage intercompany balances, recharges and licensing arrangements between group entities
- Handle escalated credit control personally, own aged debt reporting and drive down debtor days
- Reconcile applications for payment, certified values and retentions
- Run monthly payroll in full for c.80 employees, including pensions, auto-enrolment and P11Ds
- Produce contract and department level margin reporting alongside contract managers and surveyors
- Manage WIP, accruals, retentions and revenue recognition on long-term contracts
- Maintain a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast and the annual budget
- Manage CIS end to end, VAT returns including the domestic reverse charge, and statutory accounts and corporation tax computations for external review
What you'll need:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), or exceptionally strong qualified-by-experience at Financial Controller level
- Construction or contracting sector experience, specifically CIS, VAT domestic reverse charge, retentions and applications for payment
- Genuine hands-on credit control experience, not delegated and forgotten
- Comfortable as the only qualified finance person in the business, confident challenging directors and operational managers
Nice to have:
- Advanced Xero across multiple entities, and experience preparing consolidated group accounts
- End-to-end in-house payroll experience
- Experience with invoice finance or asset-based lending facilities
- Experience with job costing or contract management ERP systems
- Exposure to transaction work such as refinancing, acquisitions or due diligence
- Experience of public sector or housing association frameworks
What's on offer:
- A broad role with direct board exposure and real influence
- A modern, automated finance function where your time goes on analysis, not processing
- A stable, long-established business with a strong forward order book
- Pension, holiday entitlement and on-site parking
Group Financial Controller in Portsmouth employer: One Way Jobs
As a Group Financial Controller at our established multi-trade property maintenance and construction contractor, you will enjoy a unique opportunity to take full ownership of the finance function while working closely with the board. Our modern, automated finance environment allows you to focus on analysis rather than data entry, fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and a stable business model, we offer competitive benefits including pension schemes, generous holiday entitlement, and convenient on-site parking, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Controller in Portsmouth
✨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 One Way Jobs. 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 Portsmouth
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 One Way Jobs.
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 One Way Jobs'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 One Way Jobs
✨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 One Way Jobs.
✨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 One Way Jobs 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 One Way Jobs 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.
