Are you an experienced and highly motivated Chartered Accountant looking for a pivotal role within a dynamic UK-based SME? We are seeking a dedicated Financial Controller to lead our finance operations, ensuring accuracy, insightful reporting, and robust financial planning.

Role Summary

The Financial Controller will be responsible for the overall financial health of the company, overseeing all accounting functions, financial reporting, and compliance. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role requires a hands-on approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in financial processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Month/Quarter/Year-End Review Process: Lead and execute the comprehensive month-, quarter and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate completion of all financial statements and reconciliations.
• Forecasting and Budgeting: Develop detailed financial forecasts and build robust annual budgets in collaboration with department heads, monitoring performance against these targets.
• Month-End Reporting: Prepare insightful monthly financial reports, highlighting key performance indicators, variances, and strategic recommendations.
• Financial Accuracy and Integrity: Ensure the completeness, accuracy, and integrity of all financial records, maintaining a strong control environment.
• Cash Flow Management: Develop and maintain detailed cash flow forecasts and models, providing critical insights into liquidity and working capital management.
• People Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a small finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
• IFRS Compliance: Proactively research and stay up-to-date with the latest International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) accounting practices, ensuring full compliance and advising on their impact.
• Audit Liaison: Support audit preparation and statutory accounts. Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors, ensuring a smooth and efficient audit process.
• Provide financial insight to support commercial and strategic decisions.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and internal controls.
• Champion automation and digital finance tools.

Required Skills & Experience

• Professional Qualification: Fully qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
• Audit Background: Proven experience in audit, ideally from a reputable accounting firm, providing a strong understanding of internal controls and financial best practices.
• Advanced Excel & Modelling: Mastery of advanced Excel functions and a strong ability to build, maintain, and interpret dynamic financial models in spreadsheets.
• IFRS Expertise: Up-to-date and practical knowledge of the latest IFRS accounting standards and their application.
• SME Experience: Previous experience working within a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) environment is highly desirable.
• Analytical Acumen: Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership abilities with experience in managing and developing a team.

Desirable Qualities

• Proactive and self-motivated with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• A strategic thinker who can contribute to wider business objectives.