Group Financial Controller

The Financial Controller is responsible for leading the day-to-day finance function and ensuring the integrity, accuracy and timeliness of all financial reporting. The role has overall responsibility for robust financial controls, monthly and year-end close, management reporting, cash flow oversight, budgeting support, audit input and compliance with relevant accounting, tax and regulatory requirements. The Financial Controller works closely with senior leadership to provide reliable financial insight, support decision-making and drive continuous improvement across finance processes.

Reporting Line

Reports to the Group Finance Director, with close interaction across the wider business. Acts as Finance Business Partner to the operating company Managing Directors.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce the month-end, quarter-end and year-end close processes to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, cash flow reporting, reforecasting and all variance analysis.
• Provide analysis and backup details for the statutory accounts and support compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls, policies and procedures to safeguard assets and ensure reporting integrity.
• Manage cash flow to align with all working capital requirements, aiming to maximise cash throughout but especially at key points in the calendar to meet group targets.
• Support the annual budget process, including analysis of performance against budget and reforecast assumptions.
• Opco key finance contact for auditors, tax advisers and other external stakeholders; provide all audit-related data as required.
• Ensure compliance with tax, VAT, payroll and other statutory filing obligations, working with the Group FD and external advisers where appropriate.
• Lead, develop and mentor the finance team in each operating company, promoting accountability, high standards and continuous improvement.
• Partner with operational and commercial stakeholders to provide financial insight, challenge and decision support.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and reporting efficiency, including automation and standardisation where appropriate.
• Support ad-hoc analysis, projects and strategic initiatives as required by senior management.

Experience and Qualifications

• The successful candidate will be a technically strong, commercially aware finance professional with excellent attention to detail and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Fully/newly qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Significant experience in a financial control, finance manager or similar senior finance role (industry experience would be an advantage).
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and experience of statutory reporting, audit and financial controls.
• Proven experience of producing accurate management information, budgets and forecasts.
• Experience of leading, developing and motivating finance team members.
• Strong systems capability, including advanced Excel skills and familiarity with finance systems, reporting tools (AI experience would be an advantage).
• Experience of process improvement, control enhancement and finance transformation would be advantageous.
• Experience in a multi-entity, group or fast-growth environment would be beneficial, depending on organisational structure.

Key Competencies

• High levels of accuracy, integrity and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to build effective relationships across finance and non-finance teams.
• A proactive, hands-on and solutions-focused approach.
• Strong leadership and team management capability.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to translate financial information into practical insight.

Success Measures

• Accurate and timely deliverables.
• High-quality management reporting.
• Strong financial controls and audit readiness.
• Effective cash flow management and forecasting accuracy.
• A capable, well-managed and continuously improving finance function.
• Trusted financial support to senior stakeholders and the wider business.

Employee Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, plus usual Bank Holidays.
• Birthday day off.
• Private Health Insurance*.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Death in service scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Regular social events.

*Upon successful completion of a 6-month probation period.

Diversity at Strata

At Strata, people are at the heart of who we are. We recognise and value the diverse and unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds that each individual brings. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can feel respected, heard, valued and empowered. We strive to create an innovative, creative and inclusive environment where all employees and applicants can thrive. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Recruitment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications and business needs. Embracing diversity isn’t just our goal, it is our strength, driving us towards a more inclusive future. At Strata, we are proud to be a Disability Confident employer, committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone can thrive. We actively promote equal opportunities and support individuals with disabilities throughout their careers. As part of our recruitment process, we encourage candidates to let us know if they require any reasonable adjustments – our team is committed to ensuring a fair, supportive and inclusive experience from application through to employment.