Financial Controller in Leeds

We are looking for a proactive and capable Financial Controller to lead our growing Finance Team within a fast-paced and evolving business environment. Reporting to the Finance Director, this role is a key leadership position within the Finance function and offers the opportunity to play a significant part in shaping and strengthening the finance operation as the business continues to grow.

The Financial Controller will lead a team of two Management Accountants and a Finance Assistant, with scope for broader leadership responsibilities in the future. The role combines technical financial control, financial reporting, process improvement, and team leadership, providing broad exposure across the finance function.

This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys improving processes, developing people, and building strong financial control within a growing and ambitious business. The successful candidate will be highly organised, adaptable, and confident managing multiple priorities while supporting their team to deliver high-quality outputs. We are continuing to evolve our finance processes, systems, and controls, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine impact while working within a supportive and collaborative team environment.

• Financial Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of two Management Accountants and a Finance Assistant, creating a high-performing and engaged finance function.
  • Set clear priorities and support effective workload management across the team.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and strong financial control.
  • Support the ongoing development of team capability as the finance function continues to evolve.
  • Build strong working relationships across Finance and the wider business.
• Month End Close & Financial Reporting
  • Lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of reporting outputs.
  • Oversee the preparation and review of journals, accruals, prepayments, reconciliations, and balance sheet substantiation.
  • Ensure the integrity of the balance sheet through robust review processes and supporting controls.
  • Review and challenge financial reporting outputs to ensure quality, completeness, and accuracy.
  • Deliver Group reporting in line with agreed deadlines and standards.
  • Support the production of statutory accounts and year-end reporting requirements.
• Financial Control & Governance
  • Own and oversee financial controls across the finance function, ensuring robust governance and compliance.
  • Maintain and strengthen the financial control environment as the business continues to scale.
  • Approve payments and maintain oversight of payment controls and authorisation processes.
  • Act as a key owner of balance sheet integrity and financial control effectiveness.
  • Support SOX compliance activities and ensure controls are appropriately operated and evidenced where applicable.
  • Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Audit & External Reporting
  • Lead the year-end external audit process and act as the primary contact for auditors.
  • Coordinate audit deliverables across the finance team and wider business.
  • Oversee statutory and regulatory reporting requirements, including submissions to relevant bodies where applicable.
  • Build effective relationships with external auditors and key stakeholders.
• Systems, Process Improvement & Transformation
  • Identify opportunities to improve, automate, and strengthen finance processes and reporting.
  • Build scalable processes, controls, and routines suitable for a growing business environment.
  • Support ongoing finance transformation initiatives, including systems and process enhancements.
  • Leverage technology and data to improve efficiency, reporting quality, and financial control.
  • Continuously challenge and refine ways of working to support operational effectiveness and scalability.
• Business Partnering & Stakeholder Management
  • Build effective relationships with stakeholders across the wider business.
  • Translate financial information clearly for both finance and non-finance audiences.
  • Support operational decision-making through accurate reporting and financial insight.
  • Work collaboratively with teams across the business to improve processes and controls.

• Technical Skills & Experience
  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
  • Previous experience in a Financial Controller, Senior Finance Manager, or similar finance leadership role.
  • Strong technical accounting knowledge with hands-on experience in financial reporting, balance sheet control, and month-end leadership.
  • Experience managing year-end audits and external auditor relationships.
  • Experience of Group reporting and multi-entity environments.
  • Strong understanding of financial controls, governance, and compliance frameworks.
  • Experience supporting process improvement, finance transformation, or systems enhancement initiatives.
  • Experience in a SOX-controlled environment beneficial, though not essential.
  • Strong Excel and finance systems capability, with ERP experience desirable.
• Personal Attributes
  • Proactive and organised, with strong attention to detail.
  • Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
  • Collaborative and supportive leadership style, with the ability to develop and motivate others.
  • Pragmatic and solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
  • Comfortable operating within a dynamic and evolving business environment.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to adapt style for finance and non-finance audiences.
  • Positive, hands-on, and delivery-focused approach.
  • Continuous improvement mindset, with enthusiasm for improving processes and ways of working.

• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Private medical cover with Aviva
• 4 x salary Death in Service cover with Zurich
• Paid 6 months maternity pay after a year of service
• Paid paternity pay after a year of service
• Salary sacrifice pension matched up to 6%
• Ongoing training & development opportunities
• Social events