At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control, reporting, and governance for a growing multi-entity group.
- Company: Dynamic Leeds-based group with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, direct exposure to leadership, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation and improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping finance processes and driving business transformation.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with experience in multi-entity environments.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 100000 £ per year.
Sewell Wallis is delighted to be partnering with a well-established and ambitious Leeds-based group as they look to appoint a Group Financial Controller.
This is a key appointment for the business as it enters an exciting phase of growth following a number of strategic acquisitions.
This is far more than a traditional financial control role.
Reporting directly to the CFO, you'll play a pivotal part in building a best-in-class finance function, creating robust financial controls, standardising reporting across multiple businesses and helping shape the finance infrastructure to support future growth.
If you're a technically strong finance leader who enjoys improving processes, driving consistency and partnering with senior stakeholders, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact within a fast-paced, evolving organisation.
The Opportunity
Working closely with the CFO and senior leadership team, you'll take ownership of the Group's financial control environment, ensuring reporting is accurate, timely and trusted while developing the governance, systems and processes needed to support an expanding multi-entity business.
This role offers significant visibility across the organisation and the opportunity to influence how finance operates as the business continues its ambitious growth journey.
What will you be doing?
- Lead the Group month-end close and consolidated reporting process across multiple entities.
- Deliver accurate and insightful monthly management accounts and Board reporting.
- Maintain strong balance sheet control, including stock, WIP, debtors, creditors, accruals and provisions.
- Develop and implement consistent financial reporting standards across the Group.
- Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards, statutory reporting and tax requirements.
- Strengthen financial controls, governance and risk management frameworks.
- Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisers and banking partners.
- Drive improvements in cash flow management, working capital and short-term forecasting.
- Support acquisition activity, due diligence and post-acquisition finance integration.
- Lead finance process improvements and support future systems and ERP developments.
- Coach and develop finance teams, embedding best practice and consistency across the Group.
What skills are we looking for?
We're keen to speak with qualified finance professionals (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) who can demonstrate:
- Previous experience in a senior Financial Controller or Group Financial Controller role.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge, including consolidations, statutory reporting and audit.
- Experience operating within a multi-entity or multi-site environment.
- A background within manufacturing, distribution, industrial, engineering, logistics or other stock-led businesses would be highly advantageous.
- A track record of improving financial controls, governance and reporting processes.
- Experience supporting business integration or acquisition activity would be beneficial.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the confidence to work closely with executive leadership.
- A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to thrive in a business undergoing positive change.
What's on offer?
- A genuinely strategic Group Financial Controller position with significant influence.
- Direct exposure to an experienced CFO and executive leadership team.
- The opportunity to shape finance processes across a growing multi-entity group.
- Involvement in future acquisitions, systems improvements and business transformation.
- A collaborative and ambitious culture where your expertise will make a visible difference.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Group Financial Controller in Leeds employer: Sewell Wallis
As a Finance Manager at our dynamic company, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive salaries, bonuses, and a robust pension plan, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a multi-entity environment. Join us in a location that fosters both personal and career advancement, making your role not just a job, but a meaningful career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Controller in Leeds
✨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 Sewell Wallis. 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 Group Financial Controller in Leeds
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 Sewell Wallis.
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 Sewell Wallis'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 Sewell Wallis
✨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 Sewell Wallis.
✨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 Sewell Wallis 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 Sewell Wallis 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.
