Financial Controller

We are looking for a hands-on, commercially minded Financial Controller to lead day-to-day finance operations, strengthen controls, and partner with the business on performance. You will own month-end, statutory reporting, quarterly divisional reporting, and cash management, while driving continuous improvement across our Sage environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in organizations transitioning into a new group structure with developing control frameworks. They will be a proactive, self-driven problem solver with the ability to implement practical solutions in evolving processes. This role requires adaptability, resilience, and the capability to thrive in a dynamic setting where governance and controls are still maturing.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Lead the preparation and delivery of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in line with UK GAAP/IFRS and Group reporting standards.

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and statutory requirements.

• Manage the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring deadlines are met and variances are explained.

• Oversee AP, AR, treasury, payroll interface, and balance-sheet integrity (reconciliations, accruals & provisions, fixed assets, intercompany).

• Maintain and enhance internal controls, policies, and governance.

• Optimise finance processes and reporting in Sage 50 (will be replaced with Sage 200), including master data, closing routines, and BI outputs.

• Experience in retail environment with exposure in stock accounting (preferred)

• Maintain car fleet records to support insurance and P11D requirements.

• Demonstrates a practical, hands-on mindset and takes initiative to identify and solve operational issues independently.

• Business partner with functional leaders (Sales, Ops, Supply Chain) to support pricing, margins, across product lines.

• Coordinate compliance (VAT and support in corporation tax), management relationship with HMRC

• Prepare monthly IFRS financial statements, including PoC (Percentage of Completion) and project accounting modules.

• Lead the implementation and onboarding process of the Sage200 accounting software

• Deliver internal margin analysis, KPIs, and ad hoc financial reports for Division Finance and local management.

• Manage and lead budgeting, rolling forecasts, and ensure compliance with the uniform chart of accounts.

• Oversee daily cash and bank operations, including payment processing, and contract follow-ups.

• Manage vendor and account reconciliations, invoice transaction processing, and Sage 200 bookkeeping accuracy.

Dual Reporting & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key finance business partner, providing insights and financial support to both country and divisional leadership.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop direct reporting team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and maintain a harmonious and productive team environment.

• Identify skill gaps and implement a structured development and upskilling plan for the team.

• Promote a positive team environment, encouraging open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.

• Act as a conflict resolver and mediator, ensuring issues within the team or across departments are addressed constructively.

Process Improvement & Controls

• Drive improvements in financial processes, systems, and reporting tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

• Implement and monitor robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure data integrity.

Audit and Compliance Oversight

• Lead the coordination and delivery of internal and external audits (IFRS and UK GAAP) for the legal entity, ensuring timely responses, audit readiness, and full compliance with audit requirements.

• Act as the primary point of contact for auditors and ensure all audit findings are addressed and resolved promptly.

Planning, Forecasting & Analysis

• Support the budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

• Provide insightful variance analysis and commentary to support decision-making at both regional and divisional levels.

• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and rolling cash-flow; challenge assumptions and highlight risks/opportunities. Leading the budget presentation in front of senior stakeholders.

Communication & Collaboration

• Serve as a bridge between operational teams and finance, translating financial data into actionable business insights.

• Communicate effectively with senior stakeholders, auditors, and external advisors.

Systems & Tools

• Champion the use of ERP systems and reporting tools (e.g., Sage200 & Power BI) to streamline reporting and analysis.

• Ensure data quality and consistency across systems used for financial reporting.

• Qualified accountant: ACA / ACCA / CIMA (or international equivalent).

• Experience: 7+ years PQE in progressively senior finance roles, including ownership of month-end and statutory reporting.

• Systems: Proven proficiency with (Sage200); strong Excel and reporting/BI skills.

• Solid knowledge of UK GAAP/IFRS, revenue recognition, inventory and cost accounting, and cash management.

• Demonstrated track record improving processes/controls and partnering with non-finance stakeholders.

• Preferred background: Training/early career in a top tier firms (Audit/Advisory/TS) with strong technical grounding

• Excellent communication skills; comfortable presenting to senior leadership and auditors.

• Analytical, detail-driven, and deadline focused.

• Pragmatic problem-solver who can simplify complexity.

• Proactive, curious, and continuous-improvement mindset