At a Glance
- Tasks: Support SMEs with financial insights, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
- Company: Dynamic finance consultancy serving diverse businesses across London.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible part-time hours, and client-facing experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to work independently and travel across vibrant London.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business growth while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial control and SME support.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: London (Client Sites Across London)
Rate: £38 per hour
Engagement Type: Self-Employed / Part-Time
Availability Required: Minimum 2 days per week
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Financial Controller to support a portfolio of SME and owner‑managed businesses across London. This is a self‑employed, client‑facing role requiring a hands‑on finance professional who can provide strategic financial insight while also ensuring strong financial controls and reporting processes. The successful candidate will work directly with business owners and leadership teams, helping them improve financial performance, strengthen controls, enhance reporting, and support decision‑making through accurate management information. This role requires a minimum commitment of two days per week, with regular onsite attendance at client premises across London.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Reporting & Management Information
- Prepare and present monthly management accounts and MI packs.
- Produce insightful financial reporting for senior leadership teams and boards.
- Analyse business performance and provide recommendations to support growth and profitability.
- Develop and monitor KPIs and performance metrics.
- Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow
- Lead annual budgeting processes.
- Prepare rolling forecasts and reforecasts.
- Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts.
- Support planning through financial modelling and scenario analysis.
- Identify risks and opportunities impacting business performance.
- Business Partnering
- Work closely with SME owners, directors, and management teams.
- Translate financial information into clear commercial insights.
- Support business decision‑making and growth initiatives.
- Provide financial leadership and guidance to non‑finance stakeholders.
- Financial Controls & Process Improvement
- Review and strengthen financial processes and internal controls.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.
- Implement best‑practice finance procedures.
- Support system improvements and finance transformation initiatives.
- Team Leadership
- Manage, mentor, and develop small finance teams where required.
- Review the work of finance staff and ensure high standards are maintained.
Requirements
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by experience.
- Proven experience operating as a Financial Controller or senior finance professional.
- Strong experience supporting SME and owner‑managed businesses.
- Demonstrable experience producing management information and board reporting.
- Extensive budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management experience.
- Strong understanding of financial controls and process improvement.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple client relationships.
- Willingness to travel to client sites across London at least two days per week.
- Experience with Xero (ideally experience with Sage & QuickBooks or 1 of the 3 packages).
About you
- Commercially focused and solutions‑oriented.
- Confident working directly with business owners and boards.
- Proactive and highly organised.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Professional, credible, and adaptable.
- Comfortable operating in varied business environments and industries.
Important notes
- Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years' UK-based experience as a Financial Controller.
- We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas candidates.
EEO Statement
We are proud to foster a diverse, inclusive, and supportive working environment where different perspectives are valued and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Financial Controller (London) employer: The Part-Time Finance People
As a Financial Controller with us, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment that values your expertise and fosters professional growth. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every voice is heard, while our client-facing role offers the unique opportunity to work closely with SME owners across London, enhancing your strategic insight and financial acumen. Enjoy the flexibility of self-employment with competitive rates, all while making a meaningful impact on businesses in your community.
Contact Details:
The Part-Time Finance People Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller (London)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend networking events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or industry contacts. You never know who might have a lead on your next Financial Controller gig!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you land an interview, make sure to highlight your experience with financial reporting and management information. Bring examples of how you've improved financial performance for previous clients. We want to see that you can translate numbers into actionable insights!
✨Be Client-Focused
Remember, this role is all about supporting SME owners and management teams. During interviews, demonstrate your ability to build relationships and provide strategic financial guidance. Show them you’re not just a number cruncher, but a partner in their business success!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only gives you a better chance of being noticed but also shows your commitment to joining our team. Let’s get you that Financial Controller role!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience with financial reporting, budgeting, and working with SMEs. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or supported business growth in the past.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your qualifications, like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. If you’ve got experience with Xero or other accounting software, let us know! This is key for us when considering candidates.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Part-Time Finance People
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and analysis. Brush up on key metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive business decisions in the past. Prepare examples of management accounts or MI packs you've created.
✨Showcase Your Business Partnering Skills
This role involves working closely with SME owners and management teams. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've translated complex financial information into actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders. Highlight your ability to build relationships and support decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Process Improvement Experience
The job requires a strong focus on financial controls and process improvement. Think of examples where you've identified inefficiencies and implemented best practices. Be ready to discuss how these changes positively impacted financial performance.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Adaptability
Given the varied environments you'll be working in, it's crucial to show that you're adaptable. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully navigated different business cultures or industries, and how you can bring that flexibility to the role.
