At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the finance function, ensuring accurate reporting and supporting business growth.
- Company: Dynamic and ambitious company with a forward-thinking Managing Director.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible 4-day work week, and pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role with high autonomy and flexibility.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or equivalent experience in a similar finance role.
- Other info: Work remotely with monthly office meetings in Reading for leadership collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 64000 £ per year.
I am genuinely excited to be exclusively working on this rare opportunity for a 4 day a week role, a hands-on Financial Controller to work closely with an entrepreneurial Managing Director in a growing, ambitious business.
This is a unique stand-alone finance role where you will take full ownership of the company’s finance function - acting as a trusted advisor, safeguarding financial stability and supporting future growth.
This is a near fully remote position, with the expectation of attending the Reading office once per month for leadership meetings. The MD would like you to be within an hour's commute of Reading. It’s ideally suited to a self-starter who enjoys autonomy, thrives in a flexible environment, and takes pride in delivering accurate, reliable financial information.
The MD is highly commercial and forward-thinking - they’re looking for a safe pair of hands who can bring structure, clarity, and confidence to the company’s finances.
A little more about the day to day:
- Own and manage the full finance function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting
- Produce monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and insightful commentary for the MD
- Manage cashflow forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning to support business decisions
- Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, reconciliations, and financial controls
- Coordinate month-end and year-end processes, including liaison with external accountants/auditors
- Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations including VAT, payroll oversight, and statutory filings
- Work alongside the in-house payroll administrator to ensure accurate payroll processing
- Maintain and improve financial processes, systems, and internal controls
- Prepare forecasts and scenario analysis to support business growth
- Act as the key finance contact for external partners and advisors
A little bit about you:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or qualified by experience will be considered if you have held a similar role in the past
- Proven experience running a finance function independently or in a small team
- Comfortable working remotely and managing your own workload with minimal supervision
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail
- Strong communicator, able to explain financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
- Experience in owner-managed or entrepreneurial environments would be highly advantageous
4 days per week (salary based on £70,000–£80,000 full-time equivalent). Pension contributions and holiday allowance open to discussion to ensure these are to the individual's expectations. Remote role with monthly Reading office meetings. High level of autonomy and flexibility. Opportunity to work directly alongside a dynamic and entrepreneurial MD. A genuinely impactful role where you will shape and own the finance function.
Financial Controller in Reading employer: SF Recruitment
Contact Detail:
SF Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know the MD or have insights into the company. A personal recommendation can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the company's financial landscape. Dive into their recent reports or news articles to show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your autonomy and self-starter attitude during interviews. Share examples of how you've successfully managed finance functions independently, as this role demands a hands-on approach with minimal supervision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in managing finance functions and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you can bring structure and clarity to our finances!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for finance and how your skills align with our entrepreneurial environment. Let us know why you're excited about this unique opportunity to work closely with our MD.
Showcase Your Autonomy: Since this role offers a high level of autonomy, make sure to mention your experience working independently. We love self-starters who thrive in flexible environments, so share examples of how you've successfully managed your workload with minimal supervision.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and analysis. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed cash flow forecasting and budgeting in previous roles. This will show that you can bring structure and clarity to the company's finances.
✨Showcase Your Autonomy
Since this role offers a high level of autonomy, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed your workload independently. Highlight situations where you took initiative and made decisions that positively impacted the finance function. This will resonate well with the entrepreneurial Managing Director.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to explain complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders. Practice simplifying financial jargon into clear, concise language. During the interview, aim to demonstrate your strong communication skills by providing relatable examples of how you've done this in the past.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the company and its industry to understand its financial challenges and opportunities. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can support their growth. Showing that you’re not just a numbers person but also a strategic partner will set you apart.