Group Financial Controller - Edtech in St Albans

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Flexible around London (1-2 days a week in the office)

Job reference: 31788

The Business

Stanton House are partnering with a UK‑based, PE‑backed, founder‑led digital business operating in a fast‑growing, technology‑enabled services sector. With a strong track record of growth and an ambitious expansion agenda, the business combines entrepreneurial pace with increasing financial and operational sophistication. Backed by a supportive private equity investor and led by an experienced founder, the organisation is now investing further in its people, systems, and data capabilities to support the next phase of scale.

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking a Group Financial Controller to play a pivotal role in strengthening the finance function and supporting the business through its next stage of growth. Reporting to the Director of Finance, this is a hands‑on leadership role that blends robust financial control with commercial insight and data‑driven decision‑making. You will take ownership of financial reporting integrity, oversee transactional finance, and work closely with senior leadership and data teams to elevate the quality, clarity, and impact of financial insight across the group. This role is well suited to an ambitious, technically strong individual stepping into their first or second Controller role within a fast‑paced, evolving SME environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the general ledger, month‑end close, and end‑to‑end financial reporting
• Oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, ensuring strong controls and efficiency
• Maintain the integrity of financial data within Xero (or equivalent)
• Deliver monthly and quarterly management and shareholder reporting in partnership with senior finance stakeholders
• Provide clear financial insight, commentary, and actionable recommendations to support decision‑making
• Work closely with data teams to integrate financial and operational data and improve reporting capability
• Use tools such as Power BI, SQL, and AI‑enabled solutions to enhance analysis and visibility
• Drive improvements in processes, automation, and scalability across the finance function
• Support the development of a forward‑looking, insight‑led finance capability
• Provide oversight and coaching to the transactional finance team to ensure high‑quality execution

Experience & Skills

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified
• Typically 3–5 years’ post‑qualified experience
• Experience operating within an SME or fast‑growth environment
• Strong technical accounting foundation with hands‑on financial control experience
• Proven track record of managing month‑end and core finance processes
• Exposure to data and reporting tools (e.g. Power BI, SQL) highly desirable
• Experience with Xero or similar accounting systems

Personal Attributes

• Agile and adaptable, comfortable operating in a dynamic, changing business
• Detail‑oriented with the ability to see the broader commercial picture
• Curious and proactive, with a genuine interest in data‑ and AI‑enabled finance
• Hands‑on and pragmatic, with a willingness to roll up sleeves
• Ambitious, driven, and motivated to improve processes and deliver impact

What’s on Offer

• A key role shaping the finance function within a PE‑backed, founder‑led growth business
• High exposure to senior leadership and shareholders
• A collaborative, intellectually curious, delivery‑focused culture
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• International scope and meaningful involvement in transformation and scale‑up activity