Financial Controller in Chelmsford

About us... Select Offshore is an award winning, industry leader in the Renewables, Offshore and Marine recruitment sectors, and Select Tech provides an innovative and personalised recruitment service for the technology industry. Our growth trajectory has been extraordinary over the past few years, and we’re excited to keep adding to our teams in 2026.

At Select, we are looking for a hands-on Financial Controller to add to our fast growing group of recruitment businesses. Reporting directly to our Finance Director, this role will take ownership of the company’s financial control, compliance, reporting integrity, and finance operations.

Due to our growth over the past years, and anticipated growth, we are looking for a fully qualified accountant, with experience in the recruitment industry, and someone familiar working across multiple currencies and in an international business. The role involves mentoring a finance assistant, and other more junior team members of our dedicated and vibrant team of 6.

This is a critical position for a technically strong finance professional who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. The successful candidate will ensure robust financial governance across the business while supporting continued growth, operational efficiency, and international compliance requirements. The role is ideally suited to someone with strong technical accounting expertise, excellent attention to detail, and experience operating within recruitment, staffing, professional services, or contractor-led businesses.

• Financial Reporting & Management Accounts
• Lead and oversee the month-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate management accounts
• Own balance sheet reconciliations and maintain full integrity of financial records
• Produce monthly reporting packs with meaningful variance analysis and commentary
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all financial data and reporting outputs
• Support the FD with board and management reporting requirements
• Drive continuous improvement in reporting processes and financial controls
• Statutory Accounting & Compliance
• Take ownership of statutory accounts preparation and year-end reporting
• Ensure full compliance with UK accounting standards, Companies House, HMRC, VAT, payroll, and corporation tax requirements
• Manage VAT returns and related compliance submissions
• Coordinate corporation tax processes with external accountants and advisors
• Oversee compliance requirements across international entities, including UAE operations and any future overseas jurisdictions
• Maintain robust internal financial controls and ensure adherence to company policies and procedures
• Audit & External Relationships
• Lead the annual external audit process from planning through to completion
• Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors, accountants, banks, and professional advisors
• Ensure audit readiness throughout the year through strong documentation and controls
• Build effective relationships with key external stakeholders
• Financial Control & Operations
• Own cashflow reporting, working capital management, and treasury oversight
• Oversee commission and bonus calculations, ensuring accuracy and appropriate controls
• Ensure strong control over AP, AR, payroll, and transactional finance processes
• Support implementation and optimisation of financial systems, reporting tools, and automation initiatives
• Improve finance processes, controls, and operational efficiencies across the business
• Technical Accounting Leadership
• Act as the internal subject matter expert on technical accounting matters
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and evolving regulatory requirements
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures
• Support commercial decision-making through accurate and reliable financial information
• Team Management & Development
• Manage and mentor the Trainee Financial Accountant
• Provide guidance and support to junior finance team members
• Help build a high-performance finance function with strong accountability and development culture
• Budgeting & Forecasting Support
• Support the FD in the annual budgeting and forecasting process
• Assist with collection, validation, and consolidation of budget and forecast inputs
• Provide analysis and reporting to support financial planning activities

• Essential
• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified
• Strong technical accounting and financial control background
• Experience leading month-end and year-end reporting processes
• Experience managing external audits and statutory compliance
• Excellent knowledge of UK accounting standards, VAT, and HMRC requirements
• Strong balance sheet and reconciliation experience
• Advanced Excel and financial systems capability
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Strong communication skills and ability to work closely with senior leadership
• Desirable
• Experience within recruitment, staffing, contractor, or professional services sectors
• Experience working with international entities or multi-jurisdiction operations
• Experience improving finance systems, controls, and reporting processes
• Familiarity with commission-based payroll and contractor payment structures

• Opportunity to play a key leadership role within a growing business
• High level of exposure to senior leadership and commercial operations
• Ability to shape and improve the finance function
• Fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment with genuine impact

If this sounds like the perfect role for you, apply today or send your CV to .