Financial Controller

Financial Controller – Southampton

Our client is a well‑established and independent firm based in Southampton, recognised for delivering high‑quality advice and long‑term support to both businesses and private clients. With a strong reputation for professionalism and integrity, they are committed to helping clients manage their financial affairs efficiently while supporting their broader commercial objectives.

Role Overview

The Financial Controller will lead the firm’s financial operations, ensuring robust financial governance, accurate reporting, and full regulatory compliance. This is a pivotal role, providing strategic insight through high‑quality financial analysis and maintaining the integrity of financial systems, processes, and controls.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Control

• Oversee the production of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Ensure all reporting is accurate, timely, and compliant with relevant standards
• Maintain and enhance financial controls, policies, and procedures
• Manage the general ledger, reconciliations, and month‑end/year‑end close processes

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting cycle and ongoing forecasting
• Monitor performance against budget and deliver detailed variance analysis
• Partner with department heads to support financial planning and cost management

Cashflow & Treasury Management

• Oversee cashflow forecasting and working capital management
• Manage banking relationships and optimise cash utilisation
• Ensure liquidity levels support operational and strategic requirements

Audit & Compliance

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

Financial Analysis & Business Partnering

• Provide insightful analysis to support strategic decision‑making
• Develop KPIs and performance dashboards for senior leadership
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and financial performance

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, including performance management
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ensure effective allocation of responsibilities and appropriate team resourcing
• Provide line management support to the internal bookkeeper

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and enhance financial systems and reporting tools
• Support system upgrades and implementation projects
• Drive automation and process efficiency across the finance function
• Maximise the use of practice management systems to deliver meaningful reporting and KPIs

Person Specification

Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Commercially aware with a strategic mindset

Essential Experience

• 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 skills and strong financial systems capability
• Proven experience leading and developing teams

Desirable Experience

• Background in professional services or a similar environment
• Experience delivering process improvements or system implementation projects

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate, timely, and insightful financial reporting
• Strong financial controls and positive audit outcomes
• Effective cashflow and budget management
• A high‑performing, well‑supported finance team
• Clear financial insight contributing to business growth

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