At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, manage budgeting, and provide insights for decision-making.
- Company: Osprey Shipping, transforming logistics with innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: 25 days leave, private medical insurance, enhanced pension, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on critical infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant or significant relevant experience required.
Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by significant relevant experience
Description
About the role
Osprey shipping believes that innovative, precision‑engineering logistics, by land and by water, can transform the way critical UK infrastructure is built. We bring together the very best multi‑disciplinary engineering and delivery team to accelerate projects, enhance safety, and work side by side with clients to solve the most complex construction challenges.
We are seeking a proactive and commercially aware Financial Controller to support the effective financial management of the business. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will be responsible for delivering accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong financial controls, managing budgeting and forecasting activities, and providing insightful financial information to support decision‑making. Working closely with teams across the business, you will help drive financial performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and reporting.
Location – Portishead, Bristol
Work Rotation – Monday - Friday
What You’ll do
- Lead, mentor and develop the finance team, fostering a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
- Oversee all day‑to‑day finance operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll and cash management activities.
- Prepare and deliver timely monthly management accounts, forecasts and financial reports, providing clear analysis of performance against budget and key business objectives.
- Ensure robust balance sheet controls, financial governance and internal control processes are maintained across the organisation.
- Own and optimise finance systems, driving automation, process improvements and scalability through effective use of Sage Intacct and related platforms.
- Manage cash flow, working capital and multi‑currency banking arrangements to support operational requirements, growth plans and capital investment.
- Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process, partnering with business leaders to produce accurate, data‑driven financial plans.
- Coordinate statutory reporting, annual audits, HMRC submissions, VAT returns and tax compliance activities, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
- Provide commercial finance support to operational and project teams, delivering meaningful insights that improve profitability, cost control and decision‑making.
Skills & Experience
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by substantial relevant experience.
- Proven experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or senior finance leadership role.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge with experience preparing management accounts, statutory accounts and financial reporting packs.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to analyse complex financial data and deliver meaningful business insights.
- Experience using ERP and accounting systems, ideally Sage Intacct or similar finance platforms.
- Strong budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial planning experience.
- Sound understanding of UK tax compliance requirements, including VAT, payroll and HMRC reporting obligations.
- Experience managing external audits and maintaining robust financial controls and governance frameworks.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and organisational skills, with the ability to influence decision‑making at all levels of the business.
Benefits
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays
- Enhanced employer pension contributions and salary sacrifice schemes
- Private medical insurance
- Life insurance cover
- Performance‑related pay scheme
- Enhanced parental leave benefits
- Cycle to work scheme
- Family friendly policies
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Get Active from Aviva – Gym discounts up to 40% off
- Support your career development through our success management process
If you would like to part of the team or would like to find out more. Please apply!
Financial Controller employer: Osprey Group
Osprey Group is an exceptional employer located in Bridgwater, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, enhanced pension contributions, and private medical insurance, ensuring our team members feel valued and supported. We are committed to fostering professional growth, making this an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨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.
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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 Osprey Group. 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
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 Osprey Group.
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 Osprey Group'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 Osprey Group
✨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 Osprey Group.
✨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 Osprey Group 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 Osprey Group 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.
