Strategic Financial Controller - Hybrid VCFO Lead

Location: Hybrid / Cambridge, UK
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Accounting & Finance | Finance
Salary: Competitive salary

Affinia is the UK’s fastest growing purpose-led, purpose-built Accountancy firm, focused on building stronger, more valuable relationships. With over 1000 colleagues across the East, South East, London and the Midlands, we are dedicated to supporting our clients, colleagues and communities.

We advise businesses, public sector organisations, charities and individuals throughout the UK and internationally across six Service Lines – Accounts Solution, Taxation, Audit & Assurance, Corporate Finance, Payroll and Corporate Recovery, supported by centralised enabling functions spanning People, Finance, Marketing, Business Support, IT, Risk and Corporate Development. Our team also offer in-depth sector expertise across a number of sectors, ensuring our clients receive the best short to medium and long-term advice, tailored to them.

We are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work, adapting to the evolving technology and regulatory landscape while consistently exceeding client expectations.

Our people are our most valuable asset. We are therefore committed to supporting our colleagues throughout their professional development, providing guidance and training at whatever stage of their career they join us.

Affinia (formally Green & Purple, Cambridge) is currently seeking a high calibre, dynamic and energetic individual to join the firm as Financial Controller within our Virtual Finance office (VCFO) Accounts team.

The Financial Controller is responsible for leading client financial operations, delivering high-quality financial management services, and supporting the development of both clients and internal teams. The role combines technical accounting expertise, commercial awareness, client relationship management, and team leadership to ensure exceptional service delivery and business growth.

The Financial Controller acts as a trusted advisor to clients, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement, driving financial insight, and ensuring strong operational and financial controls across all engagements.

You will be required to own and manage a varied set of deliverables across external client assignments and internal initiatives including:

· Own and manage client relationships from onboarding through to ongoing delivery.

· Lead financial discussions confidently with clients and stakeholders.

· Provide proactive financial advice and strategic insight.

· Lead client meetings, proposals, and service reviews.

· Identify opportunities to expand service offerings and support business growth.

· Oversee billing, recoveries, WIP, and client profitability.

· Monitor client budgets, resource allocation, and scope management.

· Support forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning activities.

· Drive efficiencies and process improvements.

· Review and sign off management accounts and financial reports.

· Ensure high standards of accuracy, quality, and compliance.

· Provide technical accounting guidance to clients and team members.

· Present financial information confidently to senior stakeholders.

· Coach, mentor, and develop junior team members.

· Delegate effectively while maintaining oversight and support.

· Build a collaborative and high-performing culture.

· Support performance management and development planning.

· Identify inefficiencies and recommend process improvements.

· Support implementation of improved workflows and systems.

· Champion effective use of financial systems and technology.

· Identify, assess, and manage financial and operational risks.

· Maintain strong quality control and compliance standards.

· Take ownership of issues through to resolution.

The ideal individual will be experienced in Transaction Services activities including FDD,…