At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and drive commercial insights across Europe.
- Company: Join an international energy services business with a focus on transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for proactive individuals ready to challenge the status quo.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong commercial finance experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We Do Group are partnering exclusively with an international energy services business to recruit a Financial Controller for its European operations. This is not a traditional Financial Controller role. Yes, you will own the controls, reporting and financial integrity – but the real opportunity is far broader. This is a highly operational and commercially focused leadership role, working closely with senior leaders to improve performance, challenge decisions and help shape how the business moves forward.
The finance function has recently been through a major transformation, with transactional activity moving into a Shared Service Centre. The next phase is about shifting the focus from producing the numbers to using them. You will lead the European finance team across a £100m+ operation, developing the Project Accounting function and creating a much stronger business-partnering culture. That means getting close to operations, understanding project performance, challenging margins, improving forecasting, supporting commercial decisions, driving cash and working capital, and identifying where value is being lost and doing something about it.
You will still own the fundamentals – month-end, reporting, controls, balance sheet and governance – but the ambition is to increasingly move activity away from the regional team and create more capacity for commercial, operational and strategic finance. It is a broad, visible and genuinely varied leadership opportunity.
WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?
- Partnering with senior operational and commercial leaders across Europe
- Driving insight around revenue, margin, cash and project profitability
- Challenging performance and identifying opportunities for improvement
- Supporting pricing, tendering and wider commercial decisions
- Leading budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning
- Driving improvements in working capital and cash
- Leading and developing a team of Project Accountants
- Building a stronger commercial business-partnering culture
- Owning European reporting, month-end, balance sheet and financial controls
- Improving how Finance works with the Shared Service Centre
- Driving process improvement, automation and finance transformation
- Representing European Finance across wider strategic projects and initiatives
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
- A qualified accountant – ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CA or equivalent
- Strong Financial Controller, Commercial Finance or operational finance experience
- A genuinely commercial mindset and interest in how the business operates
- Strong business-partnering and senior stakeholder-management skills
- Experience leading and developing finance teams
- Strong financial-control fundamentals
- Experience within a project-led, multi-entity or international environment
- Someone comfortable moving between strategic conversations and getting into the detail
- A proactive, energetic and improvement-focused approach
- Shared Service Centre experience would be useful, but is not essential
The successful candidate could come from energy, engineering, industrial services, infrastructure or another project-led environment. What matters is finding someone who wants to be in the business, not sitting on the sidelines reporting on it. Someone commercially curious, operationally engaged and confident enough to challenge senior stakeholders – while maintaining the financial discipline expected of a strong Controller.
If you want a conventional, reporting-led Financial Controller position, this probably isn't it. If you want a role combining financial control, commercial influence, operational exposure, transformation and leadership, this is an exceptional opportunity. The position is based in Aberdeen, with an expected working pattern of approximately three days per week in the office.
Financial Controller in Aberdeen employer: We Do Group Careers
We Do Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leatherhead where you can thrive as a Financial Reporting Manager. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, providing comprehensive benefits including a competitive salary, bonus, pension, and healthcare. Join a talented team dedicated to excellence in financial reporting and enjoy the unique opportunity to lead impactful projects within a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Aberdeen
✨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 We Do Group Careers. 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 in Aberdeen
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 We Do Group Careers.
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 We Do Group Careers'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 We Do Group Careers
✨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 We Do Group Careers.
✨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 We Do Group Careers 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 We Do Group Careers 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.
