Assistant Financial Controller

Basildon, Essex (hybrid role: 3 days office, 2 days home per week)

If you are an agile, committed, and innovative qualified finance professional, experienced in group financial reporting, and ideally with Big 4 experience, then I want to hear from you.

This is a dynamic and agile international pharmaceutical company who's mission is to improve patient health globally through the revitalisation of niche, tried-and-trusted medicines.

As Assistant Group Financial Controller, you will report directly into the Group Financial Controller and will be responsible for helping to support the team in overseeing external and internal reporting for the Group. You will be responsible for leading the monthly consolidation process, managing statutory compliance, and supporting the business with clear financial insights. This role requires a strong technical background in IFRS, UK GAAP and audit processes, with the ability to balance detailed analysis and high-level strategic understanding.

Working closely with the Group Financial Controller you will have the opportunity to work on a range of different projects in a growing business and fast paced environment.

• Assist with accurate and timely reporting at month-end closing.
• Prepare the Group consolidation on a monthly basis, ensuring accuracy across multiple currencies and entities.
• Prepare UK annual financial statements under FRS 101 and the Group Annual Report under IFRS.
• Review financial reporting of overseas subsidiaries and liaise with external providers to complete and file local statutory financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, UK GAAP, and local statutory requirements across jurisdictions.
• Review monthly balance sheet reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Drive process improvements and reporting automation, strengthening internal controls and efficiency.
• Collaborate with external tax advisors to ensure timely and accurate year-end returns.
• Partner with both finance and non-finance stakeholders, providing clear financial reporting guidance.
• Lead the external audit process for the Group and subsidiaries, acting as primary point of contact with external auditors.
• Undertake ad-hoc financial projects, analysis, and business insight as required.

Candidates with financial reporting experience within a pharmaceutical company, retail or manufacturing business, or similar commercial background, and ideally also with Big 4 experience, are likely to have the skills required to be successful in this role.

• ACA or ACCA qualified, with several years' post‑qualification experience.
• Strong experience in Group Reporting within a complex, multi‑entity, multicurrency environment.
• Solid knowledge of IFRS, UK GAAP, and ISA compliance.
• Proven track record in preparing consolidated financial statements and statutory accounts.
• Prior audit experience, including managing external audit processes and resolving technical issues.
• Extensive knowledge of all areas of a working finance department.
• Proficiency in financial reporting systems and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical and numerical abilities with the ability to "deep dive" into the detail while maintaining a strategic overview.
• Clear and effective communicator, able to explain financial matters to non‑finance colleagues.
• Strong relationship‑building and people management skills.
• A proactive, hands‑on approach with a "can‑do" attitude and willingness to go the extra mile.
• Ability to work flexibly, particularly during peak reporting and audit periods.