Financial Controller - Financial Reporting & Audit in Liverpool

Location: Knowsley

We are seeking an experienced and technically strong Financial Controller - Financial Reporting & Audit to lead the UK financial reporting function at Clarke Energy. This critical role will ensure the accuracy, integrity and compliance of statutory and group financial reporting, while overseeing audits, controls and core finance processes. This is an excellent opportunity to play a senior leadership role within a global engineering organisation committed to innovation, quality and sustainable energy solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day running of the UK financial reporting function, working closely with the UK Financial Controller - Management Reporting & Budgeting.
• Ensure accurate and timely delivery of interim and year-end statutory reporting, in line with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage and coordinate interim and year-end audits, acting as the key point of contact for external auditors and internal stakeholders.
• Oversee month-end and year-end ledger close, ensuring all balances are accurate, reconciled and supported.
• Review monthly and annual balance sheets, providing assurance on accuracy and compliance.
• Lead and develop the financial reporting team, ensuring effective controls, processes and deadlines are consistently met across Purchase Ledger, Sales Ledger, Payroll and Credit Control.
• Oversee VAT, PAYE and Corporation Tax processes, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Manage UK banking activities, including processing, reconciliations and cash flow forecasting.
• Review full balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring appropriate adjustments are made and issues are resolved.
• Ensure payroll and related processes are accurately managed and compliant.
• Produce high-quality board and statutory reports within agreed timelines.
• Support group reporting, including management charges, transfer pricing documentation and other group compliance requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, controls and systems, including the effective use of Microsoft Navision, BI tools and AI solutions.
• Act as a key member of the finance leadership team, contributing to ERP upgrades, finance transformation initiatives and wider change programmes.
• Provide cover for the UK Financial Controller - Management Reporting & Budgeting during periods of absence.
• Ensure Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards are adhered to at all times.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA or CIMA).
• Proven experience in financial reporting, statutory accounts and audit management.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards (FRS 102, IFRS 15 and IFRS 16).
• Experience managing or supervising finance teams.
• Excellent Microsoft Excel and Office skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work accurately and effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders and non-finance colleagues.

Desirable

• Experience within an engineering or project-based environment.
• Exposure to US GAAP and SOX requirements.
• Experience supporting finance system upgrades or finance transformation projects.

Personal Attributes

• A role model for integrity, reliability and professionalism.
• Highly organised, analytical and detail-focused.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, commercially aware and committed to continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and support others.

Why Join Clarke Energy?

• We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with additional entitlement for long service).
• Holiday buy and sell scheme.
• 7% company pension contribution.
• Health care cash plan and life assurance.
• Hybrid working options.
• Reward and recognition schemes.
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities.

Clarke is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and will make decisions regarding employment opportunities without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, genetic information, age, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, caste, mental or physical disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political belief or affiliation, union membership status, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national, state, local, or other applicable laws.