Group Financial Controller - Hybrid. Job in Saint Albans LilyLifestyle Jobs

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified accountant based in St Albans / Hybrid. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the whole firm. Working through the internal Finance team, you will be expected to secure robust financial control, provide accurate reporting and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. In this way you will help provide financial guidance to senior management with timely, high‑quality insights to drive performance, profitability and sustainable growth.

Financial Control and Reporting

• Review the monthly management accounts, and prepare reports for partner meetings and the management committee.
• Manage and oversee the month‑end closing process, ensuring all financial transactions are accurately recorded and reported in a timely manner.
• A key objective will be to streamline and reduce our month end close process.
• Ensure all reporting from the practice management software, CCH, is accurate and reconciled.
• Responsibility for ensuring all accounting and calculations required to maintain partner capital accounts are completed timely and accurately, as well as all necessary reporting.
• Prepare and present accurate and timely financial statements, and coordinate and manage the annual audit process.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Performance

• Manage the annual budget process and oversee subsequent reforecasting as appropriate.
• Conduct financial analysis and provide insights to support business decision‑making, including regular flash reporting and KPIs for partners.
• Ensure charge out rates are appropriately set and communicated across the firm.

Cashflow and Working Capital

• Monitor cash flow and manage working capital requirements.
• Oversee the credit control function, ensuring timely collection of outstanding balances, accurate debtor reporting and effective processes to minimise overdue accounts.
• Maintain and manage the banking relationship with HSBC to ensure smooth and efficient banking operations.

Compliance and Governance

• Oversee client accounts in line with the ICAEW client money regulations, ensuring all client funds are handled and recorded accurately.
• Oversee the preparation and review of VAT returns, ensuring they are accurately compiled and submitted in compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Work closely with HR to ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time, including managing employee benefits and deductions.
• Ensure all payroll‑related reporting and compliance requirements are met.
• Support tax planning and compliance for the group.

Leadership and Team Management

• Manage and oversee the daily operations of the finance department.
• On an ongoing basis, lead, mentor and develop the internal finance team.
• Allocate work effectively and ensure high standards of accuracy and timeliness.
• Support succession planning and continuous improvement within the finance function.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures and controls.
• Work with the project team to ensure CCH is fit for purpose.

Strategic Support

• Collaborate with senior management to develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives.
• Act as a trusted financial advisor to partners and senior leadership supporting the work of the COO.
• Support with the financial details of strategic initiatives the COO is required to work on for the partnership.
• Provide financial input into business planning and decision‑making with key stakeholders across the business.

Key Systems Used

• Practice Management System (CCH)
• SharePoint
• Staffology Payroll
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Office Suite

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified accountant with a minimum of 10 years of experience in finance and accounting, and at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage and develop a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Demonstrated ability to be proactive and continuously seek out opportunities for change and improvement.