At a Glance
- Tasks: Support SMEs with financial insights, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to helping businesses thrive.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible part-time hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business growth while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial control and SME support.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: London (Client Sites Across London)
Rate: £38 per hour
Engagement Type: Self-Employed / Part-Time
Availability Required: Minimum 2 days per week
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Financial Controller to support a portfolio of SME and owner‐managed businesses across London. This is a self‐employed, client‐facing role requiring a hands‐on finance professional who can provide strategic financial insight while also ensuring strong financial controls and reporting processes.
The successful candidate will work directly with business owners and leadership teams, helping them improve financial performance, strengthen controls, enhance reporting, and support decision‐making through accurate management information. This role requires a minimum commitment of two days per week, with regular onsite attendance at client premises across London.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Reporting & Management Information
- Prepare and present monthly management accounts and MI packs.
- Produce insightful financial reporting for senior leadership teams and boards.
- Analyse business performance and provide recommendations to support growth and profitability.
- Develop and monitor KPIs and performance metrics.
- Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow
- Lead annual budgeting processes.
- Prepare rolling forecasts and reforecasts.
- Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts.
- Support planning through financial modelling and scenario analysis.
- Identify risks and opportunities impacting business performance.
- Business Partnering
- Work closely with SME owners, directors, and management teams.
- Translate financial information into clear commercial insights.
- Support business decision-making and growth initiatives.
- Provide financial leadership and guidance to non‐finance stakeholders.
- Financial Controls & Process Improvement
- Review and strengthen financial processes and internal controls.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.
- Implement best‐practice finance procedures.
- Support system improvements and finance transformation initiatives.
- Team Leadership
- Manage, mentor, and develop small finance teams where required.
- Review the work of finance staff and ensure high standards are maintained.
Requirements
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by experience.
- Proven experience operating as a Financial Controller or senior finance professional.
- Strong experience supporting SME and owner‐managed businesses.
- Demonstrable experience producing management information and board reporting.
- Extensive budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management experience.
- Strong understanding of financial controls and process improvement.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple client relationships.
- Willingness to travel to client sites across London at least two days per week.
- Experience with Xero (ideally experience with Sage & QuickBooks or 1 of the 3 packages).
About you
- Commercially focused and solutions-oriented.
- Confident working directly with business owners and boards.
- Proactive and highly organised.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Professional, credible, and adaptable.
- Comfortable operating in varied business environments and industries.
About us
At The Part‐Time Finance People, we're passionate about helping business owners build more profitable, scalable, and enjoyable businesses. We go beyond traditional finance support by delivering practical, commercially focused advice that helps SMEs improve cash flow, increase profitability, and make better strategic decisions.
Our Commitment
We're proud to foster a diverse, inclusive, and supportive working environment where different perspectives are valued and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Please Note: Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years' UK‐based experience as a Financial Controller. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas candidates.
Financial Controller (London) employer: YRH Finance Team
At The Part-Time Finance People, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values diversity and inclusivity while providing a supportive work environment. Our team members enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive rates, and the opportunity to engage directly with SME owners across London, fostering both personal and professional growth. We are committed to empowering our employees with the tools and insights they need to thrive in their roles, making a meaningful impact on the businesses we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller (London)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend networking events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or industry contacts. You never know who might have a lead on your next opportunity!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential clients or employers, make sure to highlight your experience with financial reporting and management. Bring examples of your work, like insightful MI packs or successful budgeting processes, to showcase what you can bring to the table.
✨Be Proactive
Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up! Reach out directly to SMEs and owner-managed businesses that interest you. Offer your services as a Financial Controller and explain how you can help them improve their financial performance. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Apply Through Our Website
If you see a role that fits your skills, apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented finance professionals like you to join our team. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Controller. Highlight your experience with SMEs and your skills in financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow management. We want to see how you can bring value to our clients!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've improved financial performance or implemented effective controls in previous positions. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Soft Skills:While technical skills are crucial, don’t forget to highlight your soft skills too! Being commercially focused, proactive, and adaptable are key traits we look for. Let us know how you’ve successfully partnered with business owners and leadership teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at YRH Finance Team
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and analysis. Brush up on key metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive business decisions in the past. Prepare examples of management accounts or MI packs you've created.
✨Showcase Your Business Partnering Skills
This role involves working closely with SME owners and leadership teams. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've translated complex financial information into actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders. Highlight your ability to build relationships and support decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Process Improvement Experience
The job requires a strong focus on financial controls and process improvement. Think of examples where you've identified inefficiencies and implemented best practices. Be ready to discuss how these changes positively impacted financial performance.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Tools and Technologies
Familiarity with accounting software like Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks is essential. Make sure you can talk about your experience with these tools, including any specific features you've leveraged to enhance reporting or streamline processes. This will show you're not just a numbers person but also tech-savvy.
