Senior Group Finance Controller & Finance Partner

Location: Midlands based – Hybrid (Candidates must hold a full UK driving licence)

We are Strata! Imagine being part of a fast and exciting brand experience agency whose clients include specialists in new technology, creators of some of the most stunning electric vehicles on the planet, financial institutions, and global leaders in pharmaceutical solutions. As an agency, we elevate these brands and make them heard through immersive and memorable virtual and face-to-face experiences.

As a people-first business, we encourage ambition, support and reward. We’re always listening and open to your ideas, just as we do with our clients.

Job Overview

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. Aim to maximise cash throughout but especially at key points in the calendar (to align with 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.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate the below experience:

• 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. They will combine strong financial control with a practical, hands-on approach and the confidence to engage credibly with senior stakeholders.
• 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.

Our Principles

We are a people-first brand experience agency with a set of core principles that guide our every action by measuring:

• A win for the client: Client success is at the forefront of everything we do. We measure our success by the impact we make for our clients. We strive to exceed your expectations, delivering moments that matter with results that matter.
• A win for the company: We believe in long-term partnerships and sustainable growth. When your business prospers, so does ours. Our commitment to excellence and innovation means we’re always ahead of the curve, offering you the best brand experiences.
• A win for the team: Our team is the lifeblood of our agency. We celebrate diversity, promote collaboration, and foster an inclusive culture where every team member feels valued and empowered. When our team thrives, their passion and dedication is reflected in everything we deliver.
• A win for you: Whether you’re engaging us for your events, already fostering a career at Strata, or considering one, our goal is to create a win for you. We’re dedicated to providing our employees with an enriching workplace that supports their growth and well-being. For our clients, a win means achieving your objectives and making your brand shine.
• A win for the planet: We are committed to making environmentally responsible choices in our work. We recognise our responsibility to minimise our impact on the planet and contribute to a sustainable future. From eco-friendly event practices to conscious resource management, we aim to create events that are a win for the environment.

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 feels 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's 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.