At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance while supporting the CEO and board.
- Company: Join Pierce Group, a leading independent firm of business advisors.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, hybrid working, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with regular social events and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing firm with endless opportunities.
- Qualifications: ACA/ACCA qualified with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 33750 - 41250 £ per year.
Pierce Group is a leading PE-backed, operationally independent firm of business advisors supporting owner managed businesses. Based in Blackburn, Bolton and Bury in addition to a Manchester serviced office, the firm’s core client base of owner managed businesses resides in East Lancashire but extends throughout the UK and Internationally. Being operationally independent best places us to understand, advise and support owner managers on a myriad of business issues, in the fields of compliance, business specific and tax consultancy, corporate finance and its forensic practice. We work in partnership with many other professional services across the Northwest, bringing a trusted full suite of support to clients.
The Finance Controller is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial strategy, performance, and governance of the practice. Working closely with the CEO, board and leadership team, the Financial Controller provides strategic financial insight to support growth, profitability, and long-term sustainability of the firm. The role combines hands-on financial leadership with commercial advisory, ensuring the practice operates efficiently, meets regulatory requirements, and makes informed business decisions.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Business Partner to CEO – providing insight, recommendations and action where required to support the CEO in BAU activities
- Be the finance representative at the monthly site partner meetings (and a regular presence around the sites at other times)
- Communicate finance activities to the wider Partner team with appropriate style
- Lead the Finance team and support their performance and development
- Own the reporting function – monthly management accounts with associated MI, quarterly reforecasting, annual budgeting
- Effect change where appropriate – improve WIP/Debt management for example
- Lead M&A locally (with support from One Point) – Due Diligence, Integration
- Involvement in systems implementation/continuous improvement across all finance system/process adoption
- Provide commercial support to the Group
- Identify risks and mitigation strategies
- Monitor the market and business risks
- Set and measure the Group’s KPIs
Tasks
- Review and present monthly Board Pack (initial reconstruction to level-up the information included within)
- Update and distribute flash report WD4
- Update and own WIP, Utilisation and Fee analysis to distribute to Partners
- Own the monthly reforecast model (in conjunction with One Point FP&A)
- Manage Loan notes
Technical Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Applications including Excel, Word, Outlook and Adobe PDF
- Proficient in cloud package Xero
- ACA/ACCA qualified
Soft Skills
- Excellent written and oral communication
- High level of personal integrity and honesty
- Ability to work both independently on own initiative, and as part of a team
- Excellent organisational skills
- Attention to detail
- Confidentiality
- Ability to project and resource manage
- Undertaking training and development relevant to the role
Why Join Pierce?
Pierce is a fantastic place to work and continues to grow. With growth comes tremendous opportunities. We are excited to see what the future holds developing our business and our people. As a leading operationally independent practice we have unparalleled opportunities to push the right candidates through the business.
- A well-established firm – over 95 years
- A growing and forward-thinking firm
Key Benefits
- Pension with salary sacrifice option – helping you save for your future.
- 33 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays – time out to focus on what's important to you.
- Hybrid working – we all work in different ways, and we give you flexibility to manage where and when you work.
- Employee referral bonus - we're always looking for talented individuals to join our team.
- Varied learning & development opportunities - continuous development for your professional qualifications and career aspirations.
- Simplyhealth – helping you take care of your health and wellbeing.
- YOLO Wellbeing - unique, sensory experience leaving staff feeling relaxed, refreshed and more focused.
- Electric car scheme and onsite electric charging – enabling staff to own a new electric car for less and charge for free at work.
- Cycle2Work scheme – enabling staff to purchase a new bike for less.
- Free independent mortgage advice – supporting you at any point on the property ladder, find the best deal for you.
- Regular social events – time away from work to have fun with team socials and firmwide events.
- Client referral scheme – we offer generous financial rewards for helping Pierce to grow our new client portfolio.
Finance Controller in Blackburn employer: Pierce
Pierce Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Blackburn that fosters professional growth and development. With over 95 years of experience, the firm provides its employees with a wealth of opportunities, including hybrid working arrangements, extensive learning and development programmes, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing. The supportive culture and commitment to innovation make Pierce an ideal place for finance professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Controller in Blackburn
✨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 Pierce. 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 Finance Controller in Blackburn
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 Pierce.
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 Pierce'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 Pierce
✨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 Pierce.
✨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 Pierce 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 Pierce 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.
