At a Glance
- Tasks: Support SMEs with financial insights and improve their performance through strategic advice.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to helping businesses thrive in London.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, competitive pay, and the chance to work with diverse clients.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on businesses while developing your finance skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial control and SME support.
The predicted salary is between 38 - 38 £ per hour.
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 one of the three 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.
Location: London (Client Sites Across London)
Rate: £38 per hour
Engagement Type: Self-Employed / Part-Time
Availability Required: Minimum 2 days per week
About us
At The Part-Time Finance People, we’re passionate about helping business owners build more profitable, scalable, and enjoyable businesses. We go beyond traditional finance support by delivering practical, commercially focused advice that helps SMEs improve cash flow, increase profitability, and make better strategic decisions.
Our Commitment
We’re proud to foster a diverse, inclusive, and supportive working environment where different perspectives are valued and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Please Note
Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years’ UK-based experience as a Financial Controller. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas candidates.
Financial Controller (London) employer: theparttimefinancepeople
The Part-Time Finance People is an exceptional employer, offering a flexible part-time role that allows you to make a significant impact on SMEs in Milton Keynes. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your expertise and fosters a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller (London)
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We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Financial Savvy:When applying for a freelance role in banking and financial services, we need to see your expertise front and centre! Mention specific financial regulations or tools you've mastered, and feel free to include your relevant qualifications, like CFA or ACCA, to bolster your credibility.
Build a Stellar Portfolio:Since this is a freelance gig, your portfolio is your ticket to impressing us at theparttimefinancepeople. Include examples of past projects you've completed—think financial analyses, investment reports, or forecasting models. Be sure to highlight the results you achieved!
Tailor Your Rates and Availability:We want to see that you're flexible and can align with our needs. Clearly outline your freelance rates, availability for projects, and whether you're open to long-term collaborations or just ad-hoc gigs. This makes it easier for us to understand how we can work together!
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How to prepare for a job interview at theparttimefinancepeople
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When you're talking with theparttimefinancepeople, make sure to highlight your experience with financial modelling, risk assessment, or portfolio management. Freelance work often requires a good level of financial literacy, so prepare to discuss any relevant tools you've used, whether it's Excel or specific financial software.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
A freelance role means you’ll want to showcase your previous work effectively. Put together a portfolio that not only highlights your projects but also demonstrates the outcomes - think case studies or success stories that showcase how your financial skills made a difference for past clients.
✨Know Your Regulations and Compliance
In the banking and financial services world, understanding compliance and regulations is crucial. Make sure you’re up to date with the latest standards as they relate to your expertise. Be prepared for specific questions about how you've navigated these in past roles or how you'd approach potential compliance challenges.
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As a freelancer, the topic of rates and availability can come up early on. Be clear about what you offer and how you charge. It might also help to have a few examples in mind where your expertise saved someone money or improved efficiency to justify your rates to theparttimefinancepeople.
