Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Our client is a well-established, independent financial services company based in Southampton, with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality advice and support to businesses and individuals. They are committed to building long-term relationships with clients, helping them manage their financial affairs efficiently and effectively while supporting their wider business goals.

Role Purpose

The Financial Controller is responsible for overseeing the firm’s financial operations, ensuring strong financial governance, accurate reporting, and compliance with all regulatory obligations. This role is key to supporting strategic decision-making through insightful financial analysis while maintaining the integrity of financial systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Control

• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Ensure all financial reporting is accurate, complete, and delivered on time
• Maintain and strengthen financial controls, policies, and procedures
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations
• Manage the general ledger, reconciliations, and month-end/year-end close processes

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process and regular financial forecasting
• Monitor performance against budgets and provide detailed variance analysis
• Work closely with department heads to support financial planning and cost control initiatives

Cashflow & Treasury Management

• Oversee cash flow forecasting and working capital management
• Manage banking relationships and optimise cash utilisation
• Ensure sufficient liquidity is maintained to support operational requirements

Audit & Compliance

• Coordinate and manage external audit processes
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and tax regulations, including VAT returns, RTI, Auto Enrolment, and PSA obligations
• Act as the main point of contact for auditors and regulatory bodies

Financial Analysis & Business Partnering

• Provide meaningful financial analysis to support strategic business decisions
• Develop KPIs and performance reporting dashboards for senior leadership
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and process improvements

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, manage, and develop the finance team, including performance reviews and training
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ensure responsibilities are appropriately allocated and the team is effectively resourced
• Provide line management support to the internal bookkeeper

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and improve financial systems, reporting tools, and internal processes
• Support the implementation and enhancement of finance systems where required
• Drive automation and efficiency initiatives within the finance function
• Lead the finance team in maximising the use of practice management systems to deliver meaningful financial reporting and KPIs

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking capabilities

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)
• Significant experience in financial management and reporting
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards and regulatory requirements
• Advanced Excel and financial systems expertise
• Proven experience managing and developing teams

Desirable

• Experience within a professional services or similar environment
• Experience leading process improvement or systems implementation projects

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate and timely financial reporting
• Robust financial controls and successful audit outcomes
• Effective cash flow and budget management
• A high-performing and well-supported finance team
• Clear financial insight contributing to business growth

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