At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and reporting, driving transformation across the Group.
- Company: Join Pareto FM, a growing business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace modern finance practices and drive meaningful change.
- Why this job: Shape the future finance function and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 8+ years of experience in financial leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Milton Keynes (minimum 4 days per week in the office)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Pareto FM is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Group Financial Controller to lead the financial control, reporting, governance and finance transformation agenda across the Group. This is a critical leadership role with responsibility for the financial control framework across Pareto FM and its subsidiary operations. Reporting into the CFO, you'll oversee the core finance engine, ensuring strong governance, accurate reporting, robust controls and a continuous improvement mindset across the finance function.
We're looking for a technically strong finance leader who combines operational grip with a passion for process improvement, team development and modern ways of working, including leveraging AI and technology to drive efficiency and insight.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading the financial control function across Pareto FM and subsidiary entities
- Overseeing all transactional finance activities, ensuring strong controls and performance across Order-to-Cash (OTC) and Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes
- Managing the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely reporting
- Preparing and reviewing monthly management accounts and financial reporting
- Owning group consolidations, including intercompany accounting and eliminations
- Leading the production of statutory accounts and managing the external audit process
- Taking responsibility for VAT, CIS and Treasury compliance and governance
- Ensuring strong balance sheet control, reconciliations and financial discipline
- Implementing and maintaining finance policies, controls and standard operating procedures
- Identifying opportunities to improve processes, controls and systems across the finance function
- Leading finance transformation initiatives, including process redesign, automation and system improvements
- Supporting strategic decision-making alongside the CFO and wider leadership team
- Developing and mentoring the finance team, driving accountability, capability and performance
- Supporting integration and standardisation across Pareto FM and subsidiary businesses
What we’re looking for:
Essential:
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Minimum 8 years post-qualified experience (PQE)
- Previous experience as a Financial Controller, including at least:
- Two prior Financial Controller roles, or
- A minimum of five years operating at Financial Controller level
- Strong technical accounting expertise, including:
- Statutory reporting
- Group consolidations
- Audit management
- Intercompany accounting
- Experience managing month-end and year-end processes within a multi-entity environment
- Strong knowledge of VAT, CIS, Treasury and financial controls
- Proven track record of improving finance processes, controls and team performance
- Previous people management experience, including developing and leading finance teams
- Strong Excel and finance systems capability
- Ability to commute to Milton Keynes and work from the office a minimum of four days per week
Desirable:
- Background within a B2B services environment such as Facilities Management, Engineering Services, Property Services or Contract-led businesses
- Experience supporting acquisitions, integrations or business transformation projects
- Experience working within a group structure or shared service environment
- Experience using Sage Intacct
- Experience designing or improving finance operating models and control frameworks
Technology & Innovation:
We're looking for someone who embraces modern finance practices and has an understanding of, or genuine interest in, AI-supported ways of working. You'll be comfortable exploring how automation, AI and technology can improve reporting quality, efficiency, controls and decision-making across the finance function.
Leadership Style:
- A credible and confident finance leader
- Technically strong with excellent attention to detail
- Organised and calm under pressure
- Commercially aware and pragmatic
- Improvement-focused and willing to challenge legacy processes
- Adaptable and resilient in a changing environment
- Committed to high standards of control, accuracy and accountability
Why Join Pareto FM?
This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future finance function of a growing business. You'll have the autonomy to drive meaningful change, influence strategic decision-making, develop a talented team and help build a finance operation that is scalable, efficient and fit for the future. If you're an experienced Financial Controller looking for a broad, high-impact leadership role where you can combine technical excellence with transformation and team development, we'd love to hear from you.
Group Financial Controller in Milton Keynes employer: Pareto Facilities Management Ltd
At Pareto FM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Located in Milton Keynes, our team enjoys a collaborative work environment where professional growth is encouraged through mentorship and leadership opportunities. With a focus on leveraging modern technology and AI to enhance finance processes, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, making this a rewarding place for experienced finance professionals to thrive.
Contact Details:
Pareto Facilities Management Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Controller in Milton Keynes
✨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 Pareto Facilities Management Ltd. 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 Milton Keynes
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 Pareto Facilities Management Ltd.
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 Pareto Facilities Management Ltd'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 Pareto Facilities Management Ltd
✨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 Pareto Facilities Management Ltd.
✨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 Pareto Facilities Management Ltd 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 Pareto Facilities Management Ltd 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.
