Financial Controller; FD Designate

Group Financial Controller – International SME – Hertfordshire (Near Hertford / Potters Bar) – Circa £85,000 - 95,000

An established, privately owned SME operating across the UK and mainland Europe is seeking an experienced Group Financial Controller as part of its long‑term succession planning. The role has a clear path to Finance Director within 12 months.

We are looking for a grounded, hands‑on finance leader who brings strong technical expertise and the credibility to influence at senior level. The successful candidate will integrate first, gain trust, learn the operations, and then lead meaningful change by bringing the team with them.

You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with a strong technical accounting background, including statutory reporting and consolidated group accounts. Ideally, you will have experience operating in international environments—particularly across the UK and Europe— with exposure to FX, treasury management, multi‑bank structures and a proven ability to manage cashflow, working capital and margin protection.

Experience in consumer goods, retail, wholesale, import/distribution or supply‑chain‑led industries would be advantageous, as would previous experience within an SME environment where hands‑on adaptability and commercial awareness are essential.

As Group Financial Controller, you will oversee all aspects of group financial reporting, technical accounting and internal controls, while acting as a key business partner to operational teams. This is a broad role covering UK and European entities, with significant complexity across treasury, FX, international transactions and multi‑bank structures.

You will lead a team of eight and report directly to the Group Finance Director, working closely with the Managing Director, CEO and wider senior leadership team. This position will play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategy, ensuring robust governance and driving improvements across systems, processes and commercial insight.

• Ownership of group month‑end processes and delivery of timely, accurate management information for internal and external stakeholders.
• Preparation and coordination of statutory accounts for UK and European subsidiaries, including consolidated group reporting.
• Management of the audit process and liaison with external auditors.

• Development of cashflow forecasting models and scenario planning.
• Oversight of international treasury processes, working capital optimisation and multi‑currency bank accounts.
• Management and negotiation of trade finance facilities, invoice finance and funding requirements.
• Accurate monitoring and reporting of foreign exchange positions and hedging activity.

• Managing and mentoring a finance team across AP, AR, credit control, payroll and general ledger.
• Building an inclusive, motivated and collaborative culture.
• Developing capability within the team and creating an environment that embraces continuous improvement.

• Strengthening the internal control framework and implementing pragmatic, scalable Standard Operating Procedures.
• Leading the finance team through modernisation of systems, automation and improvements to reporting tools (currently a bespoke system with significant Excel usage).

• Working closely with operations, sales, procurement and supply chain teams to protect margins, manage stock and support pricing decisions.
• Providing clear financial insight to guide strategic decisions and highlight risks and opportunities.
• Helping the business navigate trading cycles and market fluctuations.

This is a well‑capitalised organisation with a strong balance sheet and an established brand in the market. The leadership team has been focused on cost control, margin improvement and mitigating external challenges such as supply‑chain cost fluctuations, political uncertainty and rising overheads.

With firm foundations in place, the successful candidate will join at a time when the business is focused on further operational efficiency initiatives and profitable growth across 2026 and beyond.

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
• Strong technical accounting background, including statutory reporting and consolidated group accounts.
• Experience operating in international environments (UK and Europe), with exposure to FX, treasury management, multi‑bank structures and cashflow/working capital management.
• Background in consumer goods, retail, wholesale, import/distribution or supply‑chain‑led industries is advantageous.
• Previous experience within an SME environment where hands‑on adaptability and commercial awareness are essential.