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- Tasks: Lead financial reporting, manage cash flow, and mentor a finance team.
- Company: Established market leader in the SME sector with strong values.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a respected company and make a real impact on financial operations.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA with experience in SME accounts.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and support.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
An established and well-respected SME, recognised as a market leader within its field, is seeking a highly capable and hands-on Financial Controller (must be fully qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA). With operations across the UK and Europe and a reputation built on quality, reliability, and long-standing client relationships, this is a business that prides itself on doing things properly - underpinned by strong values and high standards.
Reporting directly to the Finance Director and working closely with the business owners, this role is integral to the day-to-day running of the finance function. It combines technical strength, leadership, and a practical, hands-on approach. The successful candidate will be comfortable leading a small team and stepping in to support junior staff when needed.
This position would suit someone already established in a Financial Controller role or one seeking their first move from an accountancy practice background with significant experience preparing SME accounts, or has been seconded into an in-house Financial Controller role and is now looking to move into industry on a permanent basis. Candidates with purely audit-focused backgrounds will not be considered. Experience in distribution, wholesale, retail or supply chain sectors would be advantageous, as would prior exposure to international operations and multi-currency environments.
Key Responsibilities- Statutory Financial Reporting & Controls: Manage month-end close and ensure accurate financial reporting across UK and European entities. Prepare statutory accounts and lead on the external audit process. Oversee group consolidation and compliance with financial reporting standards.
- Cash, Treasury & FX: Build and maintain detailed cash-flow forecasts and treasury models. Manage multi-currency bank accounts and monitor foreign exchange exposure. Oversee trade finance, invoice discounting and working capital facilities.
- Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a finance team covering accounts payable, receivable, payroll, credit control and general ledger. Promote a collaborative, accountable and supportive team culture. Provide hands-on cover across all levels when required, particularly in transactional finance.
- Systems & Processes: Strengthen internal controls and enhance financial governance across the group. Lead improvements to reporting systems and tools, with a focus on automation and scalability (currently Excel and bespoke software).
- Collaboration: Work closely with the Finance Director, business owners, and senior team to provide accurate financial insight and support operational decision-making.
At this stage we can only consider candidates on 1 months Notice or Less.
Financial Controller employer: Vitae Financial Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Vitae Financial Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know about opportunities in SMEs. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Financial Controller role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and leadership experience. Be ready to discuss how you've managed teams and improved financial processes in past roles. We want to see your hands-on approach shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! Highlight any experience you have with multi-currency environments or international operations. This will set you apart, especially since the role involves working across UK and European entities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your qualifications (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) and relevant experience in managing financial reporting and team leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Talk about how you’ve improved financial processes or led a team effectively. We love seeing concrete examples of your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and make sure to address all key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vitae Financial Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your technical expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and reporting standards relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss your experience with statutory accounts and audits, as well as any specific challenges you've faced in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a finance team or mentored junior staff. Highlight your approach to fostering a collaborative team culture and how you’ve handled conflicts or challenges within your team.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company’s operations, especially in distribution, wholesale, retail, or supply chain sectors. Be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with their needs and how you can contribute to their international operations and multi-currency environments.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your knowledge of cash-flow forecasting, treasury management, and internal controls. Prepare to discuss specific tools and systems you’ve used, particularly around automation and scalability, and how you’ve improved financial governance in past roles.
