At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, manage reporting, budgeting, and compliance in a growing tech company.
- Company: Dynamic technology SME focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and enhance your career in a supportive atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping financial strategies in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in finance roles, especially in tech SMEs.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Reporting to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Role Outline
The Financial Controller will act as the standalone, day‑to‑day lead for finance in a growing technology SME, taking ownership of the full finance operating model across management accounting, financial control, reporting, cash flow, payroll oversight, budgeting, forecasting, statutory compliance, audit support, governance and business partnering. Working closely with the CEO and COO, the role will provide accurate financial information, clear insight and practical recommendations to support commercial decision‑making and effective business planning. This is a hands‑on role requiring someone who is comfortable moving between detailed financial delivery, process improvement, controls, stakeholder conversations and wider finance leadership. The successful candidate will bring strong technical finance capability, commercial awareness, attention to detail and the confidence to communicate clearly with both finance and non‑finance stakeholders. They will be proactive, pragmatic and accountable, with the ability to strengthen financial processes, improve ways of working and help ensure finance operates as a controlled, efficient and influential function.
Main Responsibilities
- Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Prepare and analyse monthly and annual financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and variances against budget.
- Conduct financial analysis and provide insights to the leadership team on key performance indicators, financial trends, and potential risks or opportunities.
- Assist in the preparation of board presentations and other financial reports as required.
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Collaborate with department heads to develop annual budgets and forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and objectives.
- Monitor actual financial performance against budgets, analyse variances, and provide recommendations to improve cost efficiency and revenue generation.
- Assist in the development and implementation of financial models to support long‑term financial planning and scenario analysis.
- Financial Operations and Compliance
- Oversee day‑to‑day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger activities.
- Ensure compliance with accounting principles, regulations, and company policies.
- Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets and mitigate financial risks.
- Coordinate with external auditors and tax advisers and support the annual financial audit process.
- Financial Strategy and Decision Support
- Provide financial insights and support to the CEO and executive team for strategic planning, investment analysis, and business development initiatives.
- Assist the CEO/COO in evaluating the financial viability of potential projects or investments, perform due diligence, and make recommendations based on financial analysis.
- Support pricing decisions, contract negotiations, and profitability analysis.
- Management & Leadership
- Collaborate with management team to ensure that key business objectives are identified and achieved.
- Play a key role in the vision and development of the finance department.
Skills and Experience – Essential
- Qualified Accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW).
- Proven experience in a similar finance role within an SME or technology‑driven company.
- Solid understanding of accounting principles, financial analysis, and reporting standards.
- Proficient in financial software and tools, including Xero and advanced MS Excel skills.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide meaningful insights.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross‑functional teams and present financial information to non‑financial stakeholders.
- Detail‑oriented and highly organized with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
Financial Controller in Cardiff employer: Trakcel
As a Financial Controller in our dynamic technology SME, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to make a significant impact on our financial strategy while working closely with the CEO and COO. Join us in a vibrant location where your contributions will be recognised and rewarded, fostering both personal and career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Trakcel. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Trakcel.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Trakcel. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Trakcel and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Trakcel how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trakcel
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Trakcel.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Trakcel's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
