At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and drive performance in a dynamic pharmaceutical environment.
- Company: Join a global pharmaceutical leader with a focus on innovation and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Fast-track your career to Financial Controller in just 12 months!
- Qualifications: Must be ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with 5+ years of experience.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Maidenhead (with occasional UK travel)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £80,000 – £90,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus + Benefits
Sector: Pharmaceutical
Hybrid: 3 days office / 2 days working from home
Overview
We are seeking a high-calibre and ambitious finance professional to join a large, global pharmaceutical organisation as a Senior Finance Manager (Associate Controller) within its UK finance team. This is a high-profile role offering a clear pathway to Financial Controller within 12 months, created as part of an internal succession plan. The position provides broad exposure across financial control, compliance, and commercial finance within a complex, multi-entity environment. Reporting to the UK Financial Controller, the role will provide financial leadership across UK operations, ensuring robust governance while supporting the business in driving performance and agility. The organisation operates within a highly regulated, fast-paced environment and continues to invest heavily in innovation, transformation, and process improvement. This role will play a key part in embedding best-in-class financial control while also supporting ongoing finance transformation initiatives, including the use of new technologies and automation. This position offers a strong blend of technical ownership, leadership, and business partnering, making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to step into a broader and more strategic finance role.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee month-end close processes, ensuring accurate financial reporting and balance sheet integrity.
- Lead external audit activities and oversee statutory accounts preparation.
- Act as key contact for corporate tax and VAT compliance; liaise with external advisors as needed.
- Manage, coach, and develop a small finance team, providing performance oversight.
- Serve as primary liaison with finance shared services, ensuring smooth coordination and resolution of issues.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (HR, operations) to provide financial insight and support business initiatives.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and entity planning processes.
- Drive continuous improvement in finance processes, systems, and reporting; contribute to finance transformation and automation initiatives.
- Embed strong governance and best-in-class financial control across UK operations.
Candidate Profile / Requirements
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or equivalent).
- Minimum of 5+ years post-qualified experience in financial control, audit, statutory reporting, or related roles.
- Proven experience in multi-entity or regulated environments, preferably pharma, healthcare, or large corporate settings.
- Experience managing or mentoring junior finance team members, or readiness to step into a leadership role.
- Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
- Technically strong: solid understanding of accounting standards and reporting requirements.
- Familiarity with shared services models is advantageous.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment with multiple priorities.
- Experience with SAP and/or Power BI is beneficial.
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline preferred.
Benefits
- Salary £80,000 – £90,000 base (depending on experience)
- Car allowance
- Performance-related bonus
- Competitive benefits package
- Clear and accelerated progression to Financial Controller
- Opportunity to join a globally recognised organisation with strong investment in innovation and development
- Exposure to senior stakeholders and cross-functional leadership teams
If you feel the above aligns with your experience, please do reach out. Unfortunately, due to the high number of applicants, we may not be able to respond to all unsuccessful candidates.
Senior Finance Manager in Maidenhead employer: Stanton House
Contact Detail:
Stanton House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager in Maidenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those in pharmaceuticals. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their financial success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Finance Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and any relevant tech-savvy tools you've used, like SAP or Power BI.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Manager in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in financial control, compliance, and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
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 specific experiences that demonstrate your skills in managing finance teams and driving performance in a regulated environment.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise, especially if you have experience with SAP or Power BI. We’re keen on candidates who can bring strong accounting knowledge and familiarity with financial reporting standards to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stanton House
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and reporting standards relevant to the pharmaceutical sector. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured accuracy in financial reporting and compliance in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've coached or developed junior team members. Highlight your leadership style and how you foster collaboration within cross-functional teams, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's position in the pharmaceutical industry. Research their recent innovations and transformation initiatives. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals and drive performance in your interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about accounting standards, financial control, and compliance. Review your knowledge of SAP and Power BI, as these tools are beneficial for the role. Being technically strong will show that you're ready to take on the challenges of this position.