UK Financial Controller in London

UK Financial Controller in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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The BUSY Group UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance across The BUSY Group UK.
  • Company: Join a vibrant company dedicated to making education and employment accessible for all.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Be part of a culture that values collaboration, continuous learning, and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that fosters growth and innovation in finance.
  • Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with strong leadership and financial control experience.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

The UK Financial Controller is responsible for leading and managing the finance function across The BUSY Group UK. This role ensures robust financial control, accurate and timely reporting, and effective oversight of statutory compliance. The UK Financial Controller has direct line management responsibility for all UK finance staff and acts as the operational lead for finance across The BUSY Group UK, providing structure, discipline and accountability across the function. This position will work closely with the Group Finance function based in Australia to ensure alignment with global reporting standards and group requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Leadership of the UK Finance Function:
  • Direct line management of all finance staff
  • Set clear objectives, performance standards and delivery expectations
  • Drive accountability, accuracy and timeliness across the function
  • Develop capability within the finance team and support succession planning
  • Foster a culture of ownership, professionalism and continuous improvement
  • Act as the first escalation point for operational finance matters
  • Financial Control and Reporting:
    • Full ownership of the monthly close process across all UK entities
    • Preparation and consolidation of monthly management accounts
    • Delivery of clear, accurate and timely board ready reporting packs
    • Ensure integrity of the general ledger and balance sheet reconciliations
    • Oversee intercompany reconciliations and group adjustments
    • Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls
    • Lead audit preparation and manage external audit processes
  • Financial Budgeting, Forecasting and Analysis:
    • Lead the end to end annual budget process across all UK entities
    • Prepare and present budget and forecast outputs, including risks, sensitivities and key variances, in a clear and board ready format
    • Develop and maintain financial models to support reforecasts and scenario analysis
    • Partner with the Head of Operations & Finance and senior operational leaders to translate delivery plans into reliable financial forecasts
    • Complete financial budgets and supporting analysis for tender submissions
  • Statutory and Compliance Oversight:
    • Oversee preparation of statutory accounts under UK GAAP
    • Act as primary liaison with external accountants and tax advisers
    • Ensure VAT, Corporation Tax and PAYE processes are compliant and timely
    • Review statutory submissions to ensure alignment with internal financial records
    • Maintain a compliance calendar covering Companies Act and filing obligations
    • Ensure appropriate documentation and audit trail standards are maintained
  • Cash Flow and Risk Management:
    • Lead rolling cash flow forecasting across all UK entities
    • Monitor working capital and liquidity
    • Identify financial risks and elevate material issues appropriately
    • Ensure there are no compliance or reporting issues
  • Systems and Process Improvement:
    • Standardise finance processes across The BUSY Group UK
    • Improve efficiency, accuracy and timeliness of reporting
    • Strengthen documentation of financial policies and procedures
    • Support integration of acquisitions and system improvements

    Knowledge, Skills and Experience

    • Qualifications and Technical Expertise:
    • ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified
    • Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and Companies Act requirements
    • Experience preparing or reviewing statutory accounts
    • Experience supporting or leading audit processes
    • Experience overseeing VAT, Corporation Tax and PAYE compliance through external advisers
    • Experience within a multi entity environment
    • Experience establishing or improving financial controls
  • Leadership and Management:
    • Experience in a senior finance role with team leadership responsibility
    • Experience managing and developing finance staff
    • Demonstrated ownership of month end and reporting processes
    • Experience improving process discipline and reporting standards
  • Sector and Regulatory Experience:
    • Experience within education, training, government funded or charitable organisations desirable
    • Experience preparing or overseeing accounts under the Charities SORP desirable
    • Understanding of Charity Commission reporting and governance requirements advantageous

    Qualifications and Requirements

    • Degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline
    • Right to work in the United Kingdom
    • Enhanced DBS check required

    UK Financial Controller in London employer: The BUSY Group UK

    The BUSY Group is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant area of Merthyr Tydfil/Cardiff, dedicated to making skills, education, and employment accessible to all. With a strong emphasis on continuous learning and professional development, employees are encouraged to excel in a dynamic and collaborative work environment that values each contribution. The company offers robust growth opportunities, a culture of accountability, and the chance to be part of a purpose-driven organisation that celebrates innovation and impact.
    The BUSY Group UK

    Contact Detail:

    The BUSY Group UK Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land UK Financial Controller in London

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know someone at The BUSY Group. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Understand BUSYOLOGY and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vibrant ecosystem. Show them you're not just about numbers!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience with financial controls and reporting. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've driven accountability in previous roles. Confidence is key!

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of The BUSY Group.

    We think you need these skills to ace UK Financial Controller in London

    Financial Control
    Statutory Compliance
    Management Accounting
    Budgeting and Forecasting
    UK GAAP
    Audit Management
    Team Leadership
    Financial Reporting
    Cash Flow Management
    Risk Management
    Process Improvement
    Communication Skills
    Analytical Skills
    Stakeholder Management
    Problem-Solving Skills

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the UK Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in financial control, reporting, and team management. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to The BUSY Group UK. Keep it engaging and relevant to our company culture.

    Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved processes or led successful projects in your previous roles. We love seeing results!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!

    How to prepare for a job interview at The BUSY Group UK

    ✨Know Your Numbers

    As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your strong grasp of financial principles. Brush up on UK GAAP and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've managed budgets or led audits to showcase your expertise.

    ✨Showcase Leadership Skills

    This role involves direct line management of finance staff, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of specific instances where you’ve developed team capabilities or driven accountability within your team. Highlight your experience in fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

    ✨Understand the Bigger Picture

    The BUSY Group values collaboration and innovation. Familiarise yourself with their mission and how your role as Financial Controller fits into it. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their purpose of making skills and education accessible, and how you can align financial strategies with operational goals.

    ✨Prepare for Compliance Questions

    Given the importance of statutory compliance in this role, expect questions around VAT, Corporation Tax, and PAYE processes. Review your experience with external accountants and tax advisers, and be ready to explain how you ensure compliance and maintain accurate financial records.

    UK Financial Controller in London
    The BUSY Group UK
    Location: London
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