Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Location

Southport

Reporting To

Group Finance Director

Overview

Due to continued business growth, our client, a Construction and Facilities Management company are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Financial Controller to join their finance leadership team. This is a newly created role designed to strengthen the finance function, enhance financial controls, improve operational efficiency, and ensure the consistent delivery of accurate, robust financial information across the business.

Working closely with the Group Finance Director, the Financial Controller will oversee day-to-day finance operations, support and mentor a team of Management Accountants, and drive process improvements through automation, systems development, and the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a technically strong accountant who combines financial expertise with a forward-thinking mindset and a passion for continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Control & Reporting

• Ensure the timely and accurate delivery of monthly management accounts and financial reporting.
• Review financial information produced by the finance team, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance before submission to the Group Finance Director.
• Maintain robust financial controls and processes to minimise errors and improve reporting quality.
• Lead the implementation of corrective actions and process improvements to prevent recurring issues.
• Support the business in maintaining strong financial governance and compliance frameworks.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of the finance team's workload, ensuring deadlines are consistently achieved.
• Mentor, coach and develop Management Accountants and wider finance team members, supporting both professional qualifications and career progression.
• Act as a technical accounting resource for the finance function, providing guidance on complex accounting matters.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.

Technical Accounting & Compliance

• Take ownership of GAAP and IFRS compliance across the business.
• Ensure accounting treatments are technically sound and appropriately documented.
• Review and approve journals, reconciliations, and balance sheet controls.
• Identify financial risks and ensure appropriate controls and mitigations are in place.
• Support statutory reporting requirements and external audit processes.

Process Improvement & Systems Development

• Drive automation initiatives within the finance function to improve efficiency and reduce manual processing.
• Work closely with the Group Finance Director on future systems development projects.
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence within finance operations.
• Improve reporting capabilities through enhanced use of accounting systems, operational systems, and business intelligence tools.
• Reduce reliance on manual spreadsheet-based processes where possible.

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including double-entry bookkeeping, journals, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial controls.
• Thorough understanding of UK GAAP and IFRS.
• Proven experience managing finance teams and developing junior finance professionals.
• Advanced Excel skills, including financial modelling and analysis of large datasets.
• Experience improving finance processes and implementing automation initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and implement improvements independently.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills with a proven ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach to financial management.

Salary

Up to £70,000 (depending on experience)

This is a key appointment within a growing organisation and offers the opportunity to play a significant role in shaping the future of the finance function. You will work closely with the Group Finance Director, influence strategic initiatives, lead process improvements, and help drive the adoption of innovative technologies that will support the next phase of business growth.