Financial Controller - ACA Qualified

Financial Manager / Financial Controller - ACA Qualified

Hertfordshire

Circa 70,000 - 80,000 (Depending on experience)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a fully qualified ACA to join a thriving, ambitious SME with turnover in the 50m-100m range and strong growth momentum. The business operates in a sector with significant long‑term potential and is expanding through a combination of sustained organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

This position represents a genuine end‑to‑end finance leadership role. It is ideally suited to someone who wants broad exposure across the full finance function, rather than specialising in one narrow area within a large corporate structure.

Reporting directly to the Finance Director, you will act as their number two, enabling them to concentrate on strategic growth initiatives, new revenue streams and M&A activity. Alongside leading the day‑to‑day finance team, you will gain valuable exposure to these higher‑level strategic projects, providing excellent career development potential.

The organisation prides itself on a strong, collaborative culture. Senior leaders work closely together, ideas are shared openly, and success is achieved as a team. The business does not have a long‑hours culture; however, managers and leaders are invariably in the office 4‑5 days a week reflecting the importance of collaboration and leadership visibility, not workload expectations. As such the role would not suit someone seeking more than one day working from home.

This is a broad, hands‑on leadership role combining operational finance ownership with strategic involvement.

• Take full responsibility for monthly management accounts, financial reporting and balance sheet integrity
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and cashflow planning processes
• Oversee statutory reporting, VAT, corporation tax and payroll compliance
• Drive improvements to controls, processes and reporting as the business scales
• Partner with operational leaders to support commercial decision‑making
• Support the Finance Director with strategic initiatives, acquisitions and growth projects
• Manage and develop the finance team, including conducting performance reviews, setting development plans and mentoring individuals

This role requires someone comfortable rolling up their sleeves while also thinking strategically, leading by example and setting the tone for the finance function.

We are seeking a high‑calibre, fully qualified ACA from practice with a strong academic track record (including A‑Levels and a degree).

• An ACA Assistant Manager or Manager ready for your first move into industry, seeking a broad and commercially involved finance role; or
• An ACA already working in industry, looking for a more dynamic environment with greater ownership and impact

• Previous responsibility for leading a team, including performance management and development planning is a prerequisite
• Exposure to both audit and accounts preparation/management accounting is highly desirable
• Experience working with medium‑sized businesses (50m-100m turnover) is highly desirable
• A desire to operate in a complete, end‑to‑end finance position

• Enjoy working in a growing, evolving business
• Want visibility and involvement in shaping company direction
• Lead from the front and take genuine pride in developing your team
• Value collaboration and being present with colleagues

• Modern offices
• Free on‑site parking
• Strong team ethos and collaborative senior leadership
• Ambitious growth plans with clear strategic direction

This is a rare chance to step into a true deputy role to the Finance Director within a scaling SME. You will gain meaningful exposure to strategic decision‑making while retaining ownership of the core finance function and leading a team.

If you are an academically strong, practice‑trained ACA who wants breadth, influence, leadership responsibility and long‑term progression, this role offers an exceptional next step.

AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment