Financial Controller

Location: Oxfordshire

Financial Controller

Location:

Oxfordshire (Close to the M40) The Opportunity Our client is a fast-growing eCommerce and retail SME that has built an excellent reputation within its sector and continues to experience strong year-on-year growth. With ambitious plans for the future, the business is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to take ownership of the finance function and become a key member of the senior leadership team.

This is a broad and commercially focused role that offers genuine influence across the business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you'll provide the financial insight, controls and strategic support needed to help the business continue its exciting growth journey. If you enjoy working in an entrepreneurial environment where your ideas are valued and you can make a tangible impact, this is an outstanding opportunity.

The Role The Financial Controller will have overall responsibility for the finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective financial controls and commercially focused decision support. This is a hands-on position where you'll combine day-to-day financial management with strategic business partnering, helping senior leadership understand business performance while driving continuous improvement across finance processes and systems. You'll work closely with department heads and external advisers, ensuring finance remains a trusted partner to the wider business.

Key Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Control Lead the day-to-day finance function and ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information. Prepare monthly management accounts and supporting analysis. Produce timely financial reports for the senior leadership team. Maintain strong balance sheet reconciliations and robust accounting processes. Oversee sales ledger, purchase ledger, banking and month-end close activities. Ensure financial controls remain effective and appropriate for a growing business.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Commercial Analysis Lead the annual budgeting process across all departments. Prepare rolling forecasts and cash flow projections. Monitor financial performance against budget, identifying risks and opportunities. Analyse profitability, margins, operating costs and business performance. Develop meaningful KPIs and performance reporting. Provide commercial recommendations that support profitability and long-term growth. Support strategic planning and investment decisions. Cash Flow & Working Capital Manage cash flow forecasting and liquidity.

Monitor working capital performance and identify opportunities to improve cash generation. Oversee debtor and creditor performance. Support stock valuation, inventory reporting and margin analysis. Ensure appropriate financial planning to support continued business growth. Governance & Compliance Ensure compliance with statutory reporting requirements and financial regulations. Prepare and review VAT, PAYE and other HMRC submissions. Coordinate the year-end audit process and statutory accounts preparation.

Manage relationships with external accountants, auditors and professional advisers. Maintain strong financial policies, controls and governance procedures. Identify and mitigate financial risks across the business. Systems & Continuous Improvement Drive improvements across finance processes and reporting. Identify opportunities to automate routine tasks and improve efficiency. Support finance system enhancements and reporting developments. Contribute to wider business improvement projects across operations and technology.

Help develop reporting that provides greater commercial visibility to the leadership team. Leadership & Business Partnering Lead, coach and develop the finance team. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Build strong relationships across the business, providing financial support to operational managers. Partner with the Managing Director on strategic initiatives, business planning and growth projects. Support the wider business with commercial insight and financial decision making.

About You We're looking for an experienced finance professional who enjoys working within a growing SME where no two days are the same. You'll be equally comfortable producing management accounts, improving processes and contributing to strategic discussions with senior leadership. Essential Experience ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, or Qualified by Experience (QBE) with significant senior finance experience. Previous experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Senior Management Accountant or similar leadership role.

Strong management accounting and financial reporting expertise. Experience preparing budgets, forecasts and cash flow forecasts. Excellent understanding of financial controls and compliance. Advanced Excel skills and strong systems knowledge. Experience using Sage or similar accounting software. Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving…