At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial performance and drive profitability in a major operational business unit.
- Company: Join a leading international engineering services organisation with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, private medical insurance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for genuine long-term career progression in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a globally recognised company during an exciting growth phase.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with experience in finance leadership roles.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Vero Recruitment has been exclusively retained to appoint a Financial Controller (Operational / Business) on behalf of a leading international engineering services organisation based in Aberdeen.
About our client: Our client is one of the world's leading providers of engineering, maintenance and industrial services, supporting customers across a variety of sectors. With operations spanning multiple international markets, the business has built an enviable reputation for delivering complex engineering solutions safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. The organisation is continuing to invest heavily in its future, with ambitious growth plans supported by the global energy transition, major infrastructure investment and an increasing demand for outsourced engineering services.
Finance plays a critical role within the business, acting as a genuine commercial partner to operational leadership and helping drive performance across a large, project-based organisation. An opportunity has now arisen for an experienced Financial Controller to join the senior finance team, taking responsibility for the financial performance of a significant operational business unit while leading an established team and partnering closely with senior operational and commercial stakeholders.
The role: Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, you will be responsible for providing financial leadership across a major operational business unit. Acting as a trusted business partner to operational and commercial leadership, you will help drive profitability, improve financial performance and provide the insight required to support strategic decision-making. This is a highly commercial role operating within a fast-paced project environment. Alongside leading an experienced finance team, you will work closely with colleagues across Operations, Commercial, Procurement and Shared Services, ensuring robust financial reporting while influencing decisions that improve project performance, margins and cash generation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing an established finance team, including Finance Business Partners and Project Controllers
- Producing timely monthly management accounts, financial reporting and performance analysis
- Leading the annual budgeting process together with monthly forecasting and long-range planning
- Partnering with operational leadership to improve business performance, profitability and financial accountability
- Monitoring project performance, contract profitability, revenue recognition and cost-to-complete forecasts
- Supporting commercial decisions through financial analysis, business cases, pricing and tender evaluations
- Driving improvements in working capital, cash flow and operational financial performance
- Maintaining strong financial controls, governance and compliance with corporate accounting policies
- Supporting continuous improvement initiatives, process enhancements and systems development across the finance function
Who we're looking for: We're ideally looking for a professionally qualified accountant (CA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with previous experience in a commercially focused finance leadership role. You’ll ideally have developed your career within energy, engineering, industrial services, or another project-based environment where finance plays a central role in supporting operational performance. You’ll possess excellent analytical and commercial skills, together with the confidence to influence and challenge senior stakeholders. Previous experience of budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and business partnering within a complex operational environment will be essential. You’ll be an effective people leader with the ability to develop high-performing teams, while remaining hands-on when required. Experience of ERP systems, together with strong Excel skills and exposure to Power BI or similar reporting tools would be advantageous.
What's on offer: This is an outstanding opportunity to join a globally recognised organisation at an exciting stage of its continued growth. You’ll enjoy a genuinely commercial leadership role with significant visibility across the business, working alongside experienced operational leaders and contributing directly to the financial success of a major business unit. Alongside a highly competitive salary, annual bonus, private medical insurance, an excellent pension, hybrid working, a comprehensive benefits package, and genuine long-term career progression within an international organisation.
Financial Controller (Operational/Business) employer: Vero Recruitment
McKilligan Financial is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, making it an ideal place for a Personal Tax Manager to thrive. With the flexibility of remote, hybrid, or office-based work in Scotland, employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance alongside competitive salaries and extensive holiday benefits. The firm prioritises personal development, ensuring that team members have ample opportunities to grow their skills while building strong relationships with clients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller (Operational/Business)
✨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 Vero Recruitment. 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 (Operational/Business)
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 Vero Recruitment.
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 Vero Recruitment'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 Vero Recruitment
✨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 Vero Recruitment.
✨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 Vero Recruitment 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 Vero Recruitment 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.
