At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial projects, manage budgets, and support strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join a high-performing finance team at a leading engineering firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic project-driven environment.
- Qualifications: CIMA/ACCA qualified with strong financial management experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
Job Title
Senior Business Controller
Location
Stevenage (Hybrid)
Salary
£80,000 – £90,000
Type
- Full-time
- Overview
An exclusive opportunity with Robert Half for a Senior Business Controller to join a high-performing finance function.
This role offers strong business partnering exposure, leadership responsibility, and involvement in strategic financial decision-making within a project-driven environment.
We need someone who can work a couple of days a week from the Stevenage office alongside the Project Managers.
You'll have proven project experience, ideally within a complex engineering, manufacturing or technical environment, and a strong understanding of work package management . This role involves coordinating and managing multiple interdependent work packages or smaller projects that sit within a larger, complex programme, ensuring deliverables, timelines, risks and dependencies are effectively managed across the wider project.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, support, and develop the controlling team to deliver effective business partnering across the organisation.
- Ensure all internal and external reporting requirements are delivered accurately and on time (month-end, half-year, and year-end).
- Manage financial planning cycles and quarterly forecasting processes.
- Partner with Project Managers, coordinating and leading monthly project reviews.
- Analyse financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.
- Monitor and control project expenditure to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
- Assess project revenue using Percentage of Completion (POC) and Time & Materials (T&M) methodologies.
- Reconcile project work-in-progress on a monthly basis.
- Monitor, report, and advise on project and contract status; maintain accurate financial records.
- Prepare and present financial reports to senior management.
- Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies and procedures.
- Support operational teams with contract bid preparation, billing structures, and cost rate analysis.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide financial insight and support decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal standards.
- Conduct financial risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
- Support month-end and year-end close processes.
- Required Qualifications & Skills
- Fully qualified (CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent).
- Strong experience in financial management and controlling roles.
- Excellent understanding of financial principles and practices.
- Proficient in financial systems and Microsoft Office (advanced Excel preferred).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
Experience Required
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in financial management or a similar role.
- Previous team leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
- Experience with SAP, particularly SAP S/4HANA, is advantageous.
Senior Project Controller in Watford employer: Robert Half
At Robert Half, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As an IT Project Manager, you'll have the opportunity to lead transformative projects in a highly regulated environment, supported by a team that values professional growth and development. With competitive benefits and a commitment to employee well-being, we ensure that our team members thrive both personally and professionally in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Controller in Watford
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Robert Half. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Robert Half.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Robert Half. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Controller in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Robert Half and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Robert Half how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Half
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Robert Half.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Robert Half's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
