At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team and shape the future of financial operations.
- Company: Join The Niche Partnership, a forward-thinking finance firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, hybrid working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and team empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while enjoying flexibility and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Senior finance experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 89000 £ per year.
Step up from leading a finance team to leading the leaders who run it. This Financial Controller role gives you responsibility for three experienced managers and a wider team, with the freedom to set the direction rather than getting dragged into every detail. You'll inherit a finance operation that works well, so this isn't a turnaround. You'll have real influence over how finance evolves, backed by a salary of 85,000-89,000, up to 10% bonus and hybrid working with three days a week in Southampton.
Reporting to the Finance leadership team, you will be responsible for:
- Leading three managers across technical accounting, management reporting and financial operations, with a wider team of around 22
- Setting clear expectations and giving your managers the autonomy to lead their own teams
- Overseeing financial control, the annual report, statutory reporting, year-end and external audit
- Building strong relationships with senior leaders, auditors and the Audit & Risk Committee
- Challenging established processes and identifying opportunities for smarter automation and AI
- Ensuring improvements make finance easier and more efficient without compromising financial control
- Helping shape the finance systems roadmap, working alongside technology specialists and delivery teams
What you will need:
- Previous experience in a similar senior finance role, such as Financial Controller, Group Financial Controller, Head of Financial Control, Head of Finance or senior Financial Reporting role
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification, preferably ACA, ACCA or CIMA
- Experience leading managers who themselves lead teams, rather than only directly managing individual contributors
- End-to-end ownership of annual reporting, statutory accounts and external audit
- Experience working with an Audit & Risk Committee or board and building effective relationships with external auditors
- Evidence of leading finance transformation or process improvement through your management team
- Strong financial control and technical accounting knowledge, combined with the judgement to know when to challenge and when to delegate
- The ability to bring people with different roles and levels of technical expertise behind the same vision
What you will get:
- Up to 10% performance-related bonus
- 28 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
- Hybrid working, with three days per week in the Southampton office
- Flexible working options
- Enhanced family leave, including paid partner leave
- Learning and development support, coaching and mentoring
- Wellbeing support
- Volunteering leave and matched fundraising
If you would like to find out more about this role, please apply with your CV or LinkedIn PDF.
Financial Controller - Finance in Southampton employer: The Niche Partnership
The Niche Partnership in Waterlooville is an excellent employer that prioritises employee development and work-life balance. With flexible hours, hybrid working options, and dedicated study support for AAT or ACCA qualifications, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment while gaining valuable experience in bookkeeping and client management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller - Finance in Southampton
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like The Niche Partnership. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller - Finance in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to The Niche Partnership.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on The Niche Partnership's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Niche Partnership
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with The Niche Partnership.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at The Niche Partnership will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former The Niche Partnership employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
