At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance functions, ensuring robust controls and accurate reporting across multiple sites.
- Company: Dynamic private equity-backed organisation with a national portfolio.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial performance in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site service organisations and strong financial control skills.
- Other info: Join a growing team and influence performance in a high-visibility role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a private equity–backed, multi-site services organisation operating a national portfolio of locations across the UK. Backed by an ambitious investor and with a clear growth and performance agenda, the business is seeking an experienced Financial Controller with strong multi-site experience to strengthen financial control and support operational performance. This is a hands‑on, high‑visibility role within a fast‑paced, performance‑driven environment.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the CFO, you will lead the day‑to‑day finance function, ensuring robust controls, accurate reporting, and commercial insight across a diverse portfolio of operational sites. You will work closely with regional operational leaders and site managers to drive financial performance, improve cost control and support commercial decision‑making across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the central finance team (management accounts, AP/AR, payroll oversight)
- Deliver accurate monthly management accounts across a multi‑site operational portfolio
- Own balance sheet integrity, cashflow forecasting and working capital management
- Strengthen financial controls within a private equity–backed environment
- Partner with operational leaders to improve site‑level profitability and cost performance
- Support budgeting, forecasting and board reporting processes
- Assist with acquisition modelling, due diligence and integration as the business grows
- Drive systems improvements, reporting efficiency and financial visibility across sites
The Candidate
You will bring experience operating within a multi‑site service‑led organisation, where financial performance is closely linked to operational delivery and site‑level performance. Typical backgrounds may include hospitality, hotels, leisure, healthcare, care, facilities management or other multi‑location service businesses.
You will understand:
- Multi‑site P&L management and site‑level performance drivers
- Labour cost control and workforce planning within operational environments
- Margin improvement and operational cost management
- Financial reporting across geographically dispersed operations
You will also bring:
- Experience within a private equity–backed or high‑growth SME environment
- Strong financial control and reporting capability
- A hands‑on leadership style with commercial instinct
- Confidence partnering with operational stakeholders across multiple sites
This role will suit an experienced Financial Controller from a multi‑site service environment who is looking for broader exposure and the opportunity to influence performance within a growing, investor‑backed business.
Financial Controller in Reading employer: Soka Partners
Contact Detail:
Soka Partners 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 with experience in multi-site operations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s financial performance and operational challenges. Show them you understand their business and how you can drive financial success across their sites.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the role. It’s a small gesture that can make a big impact!
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 role of Financial Controller. Highlight your multi-site experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your financial control skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our fast-paced environment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your hands-on leadership style and how you've successfully partnered with operational leaders in the past. Let us know what excites you about joining our team!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that align with the key responsibilities listed in the job description. Whether it's managing cashflow forecasting or improving site-level profitability, we want to see concrete examples of your impact in previous roles.
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. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Soka Partners
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and multi-site P&L management. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role and be ready to discuss how you've improved financial performance in previous positions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a hands-on leadership approach. Be prepared to share examples of how you've led finance teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to partner with operational leaders and drive financial performance across multiple sites.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within the multi-site service sector. Research the company’s portfolio and think about how you can contribute to improving site-level profitability and cost performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and financial acumen. Prepare for scenarios related to cashflow forecasting, balance sheet integrity, and financial controls. Think through your responses and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.