Financial Controller in Manchester

This is a hands-on Financial Controller role within a small, growing finance team. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will act as the operational lead for day-to-day finance activity, supporting the smooth running of the function and helping the business make well-informed decisions as it scales. You will take ownership of core finance operations including cashflow management, balance sheet control, VAT, and financial discipline across the team. You will be a key sounding board for the Finance Director, providing commercial insight, flagging risks early, and helping translate strategy into practical execution. While the Finance Director retains accountability for final decisions, this role requires strong judgement and independence. You will be expected to lead the finance team on a day-to-day basis, manage priorities, and know when to elevate matters versus when to handle them autonomously. This is well-suited to an experienced finance professional stepping into a senior operational role — someone comfortable with responsibility, pace, and ambiguity, but who enjoys working closely with a Finance Director rather than owning the function outright.

Key responsibilities

• Financial operations & control: Own the day-to-day running of finance operations, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and pace across the function. Take responsibility for management accounts, including timely month-end close, variance analysis, and commentary. Maintain strong ownership of the balance sheet, ensuring reconciliations are robust and issues are resolved promptly. Support P&L oversight, providing insight into performance drivers and cost control.
• Cashflow, treasury & liquidity: Manage short- and medium-term cashflow forecasting, monitoring liquidity and supporting informed decision-making. Oversee treasury activities, including bank relationships, payment processes, and cash controls. Ensure cash discipline is embedded in everyday finance operations.
• Audit, year-end & compliance: Lead preparation for year-end accounts and audits, acting as the primary operational contact for auditors. Support the Finance Director on group accounting standards and ensure correct application in day-to-day reporting. Ensure financial controls and documentation are audit-ready at all times.
• VAT & statutory reporting: Prepare and review VAT submissions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with UK VAT requirements. Support more complex VAT and reporting considerations as the business grows. Liaise with external advisors where required.
• Technical & advisory support: Apply strong technical accounting knowledge to day-to-day finance matters. Provide practical advice to the business on financial and accounting implications of operational decisions. Escalate technical or judgement-based issues appropriately, with clear recommendations.

Skills – must haves

• Strong technical accounting foundation with hands-on experience across management accounts, balance sheet ownership, and year-end processes.
• Cashflow and treasury competence – able to forecast, monitor, and manage liquidity in a growing business environment.
• Solid VAT knowledge with practical experience preparing and reviewing VAT submissions.
• Audit-ready mindset – comfortable leading audit preparation and working with external auditors and advisors.
• Commercial awareness – able to understand business drivers and translate financial data into practical, day-to-day guidance.
• Sound judgement – knows when to act independently and when to elevate issues, with a clear rationale.
• Ability to operate at pace in a fast-moving, changeable environment without losing control or attention to detail.
• Clear communication skills – able to explain financial matters to non-finance stakeholders simply and confidently.
• Upward management capability – able to manage expectations, prioritise effectively, and operate with minimal supervision.
• Hands-on approach – comfortable being in the detail and getting things done, not just reviewing others’ work.

What We Offer

• A chance to shape the future of payments at a high-growth fintech.
• Meaningful equity options.
• Hybrid working with flexible hours.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Regular team socials and offsites.
• Salary Sacrifice schemes.
• Dynamic, fast-paced working environment with genuine responsibility and autonomy.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance

Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom