Financial Controller

Elevate Search is delighted to be partnering exclusively with a successful and growing organisation to recruit an experienced Financial Controller. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this is a broad leadership opportunity offering responsibility for the day-to-day management of the finance function, financial reporting, statutory compliance and the continued development of a sizeable finance team. This role combines strategic oversight with a hands-on approach, making it ideal for an experienced Financial Controller who enjoys leading people, improving processes and ensuring the business has accurate, timely and meaningful financial information to support commercial decision-making.

Working closely with the CFO, you'll play a pivotal role in strengthening financial controls, developing the finance team and driving continuous improvement across the function.

The Role As Financial Controller you'll take ownership of the financial control environment while providing leadership across the wider finance team.

Key responsibilities include:

Managing the month-end and year-end close process, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting. Overseeing the preparation and review of journals, accruals, prepayments and balance sheet reconciliations. Ensuring the integrity of the general ledger and maintaining robust financial controls across the business. Producing monthly management accounts, financial reports and board information for the CFO and senior leadership team. Reviewing financial performance against budgets and forecasts, providing commercial analysis and recommendations.

Taking overall responsibility for the annual statutory audit, acting as the key contact for external auditors. Preparing statutory accounts and ensuring compliance with IFRS and all relevant accounting standards. Leading improvements to financial reporting processes, governance and internal controls. Managing, mentoring and developing a finance team of up to 12 people, creating a high-performing and collaborative culture. Conducting one-to-one meetings, supporting performance management and developing future talent within the finance function.

Planning team workloads, allocating responsibilities and ensuring deadlines are consistently achieved. Partnering with operational and commercial stakeholders to provide financial support and challenge where appropriate. Supporting finance transformation projects, systems improvements and process optimisation initiatives. Remaining hands-on whenever required and providing leadership by example. About You We're looking for an experienced Financial Controller or senior finance professional with strong technical accounting knowledge and proven leadership experience.

You will ideally be ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, although applications from Qualified by Experience (QBE) candidates with relevant technical accounting expertise are equally welcomed. You'll also demonstrate:
Previous experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Financial Reporting Manager or Senior Financial Accountant. Strong knowledge of financial reporting, statutory accounts, external audit and financial controls. Excellent understanding of IFRS, including IFRS 16. Proven experience leading, mentoring and developing sizeable finance teams, with responsibility for workload planning, coaching, performance management and succession planning. Experience driving process improvements and strengthening financial controls.

Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to provide meaningful financial insight to senior stakeholders. Strong communication skills and the confidence to influence at senior leadership level. Experience using Sage Intacct or other Sage products would be advantageous. A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to thrive within a fast-paced commercial environment. What's on Offer? Salary up to £80,000 Comprehensive benefits package Hybrid working (3 days in the office) Direct reporting line to the CFO Leadership responsibility for a large finance team High-profile role with genuine influence across the business Opportunity to shape the future of the finance function Exposure to strategic projects, finance transformation and business improvement initiatives Excellent long-term career prospects