At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, reporting, and strategic support in a scaling tech SME.
- Company: Join a dynamic research and data SME with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting chance to drive automation and improve financial processes using cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by owning the finance function in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Must have finance qualifications and experience in high-growth or scale-up settings.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
SRM Recruitment are partnering with a research and data SME (circa £10mn) who are looking to attract a Financial Controller/Senior Finance Manager to the business. This role is a 4 day a week in the office position. This is a role for a candidate that relishes working in a scaling business and who wants to own the finance function day-to-day. It's a hands-on role spanning the cadence and requirements of core finance, systems improvement, and genuine commercial partnership.
Key responsibilities:
- Finance operations: Oversee month-end close and ensure accurate, timely numbers. Oversee accounts receivable and payable. Manage external accountants and tax advisors (VAT, statutory accounts, filings). Own payroll. Improve financial controls, approval processes, and audit readiness.
- Reporting & insights: Deliver monthly management reporting with variance analysis and actionable narrative. Provide finance inputs to annual, quarterly board reporting. Support fundraising and corporate finance activity with reporting and analysis.
- Planning & forecasting: Own the annual budget, run rolling forecasts, build scenario models (hiring, pricing, capacity), and produce forecast-vs-actuals analysis with clear commentary that leadership actually uses.
- Commercial & strategic support: Provide pricing and deal support including margin and sensitivity analysis. Maintain investor-ready models and data packs. Support long-term financial strategy with structured analysis.
- Systems & automation: Partner with Operations on the finance stack (QuickBooks, Datarails). Drive automation of reporting and forecasting workflows. Use AI to minimise manual and repeat work across the finance function. Define what leadership needs from BI and reporting outputs.
You will be/have in terms of key experience to date:
- A practice trained (ACA, CA) with industry experience, or an industry trained (likely ACCA, CIMA) with at least 4 years in a commercial finance or finance business partnering background, ideally in a high-growth or scale-up environment.
- Month-end close management: ability to run a reliable, timely close process and ensure accurate numbers with minimal fire drills; experience managing external accountants.
- A track record of building forecasting and reporting cadences that leadership trusts and uses.
- Good financial modelling skills — 3-statement models, scenario planning, sensitivity analysis.
- Ability to translate financial complexity into clear narrative and recommendations.
- Strong stakeholder management across commercial, delivery, ops, and leadership teams.
- Comfort working with imperfect data and a drive to improve it through better definitions, processes, and systems.
In addition, if you have experience of working in a data rich/SaaS environment this is considered a considerable advantage, as is the desire to work in a fast-moving environment.
Bonus points for:
- Experience automating finance processes using AI and other technologies.
- Familiarity with QuickBooks, Datarails, or similar FP&A tooling.
- Experience supporting board reporting, investor materials, or fundraising prep.
Financial Controller (scaling SME Technology) in Slough employer: SRM Recruitment
Contact Detail:
SRM Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller (scaling SME Technology) in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in scaling businesses. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial operations, recent news, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved financial controls or automated processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership of the finance function, just like they need.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller (scaling SME Technology) in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Controller. Highlight your experience in finance operations, month-end close management, and any hands-on roles you've had in scaling businesses. We want to see how you can own the finance function!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this role and how your background aligns with the responsibilities listed. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced environment.
Showcase Your Financial Modelling Skills: Since this role involves financial modelling and scenario planning, make sure to mention any relevant experience. If you've built 3-statement models or conducted sensitivity analysis, let us know! We want to see your analytical prowess.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at SRM Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key figures from your previous roles, especially those related to month-end close processes and forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you ensured accuracy and timeliness in reporting.
✨Showcase Your Systems Savvy
Familiarity with finance tools like QuickBooks and Datarails is a big plus. Make sure to highlight any experience you have with these systems or similar ones. Discuss how you've driven automation in finance processes and improved reporting workflows using technology.
✨Prepare for Scenario Planning
The role involves building scenario models and conducting sensitivity analysis. Prepare examples of how you've approached this in the past. Be ready to explain your thought process and how your insights influenced decision-making in a scaling business.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for leadership. Practice explaining your past experiences in a straightforward manner. Use clear narratives to describe how your financial analyses supported strategic decisions and drove business growth.