Interim Financial Controller

A PE-backed, multi-divisional services group is seeking an experienced Interim Financial Controller to take ownership of the end-to-end financial control and close process, diagnose and improve divisional finance processes, and support key finance transformation initiatives. The position will provide the SLT with accurate, reliable and commentary-ready financial information, while driving improvements to processes, controls, systems and ways of working across the finance function.

The Company A large, PE-backed services group operating through multiple divisions, entities and service lines. The business has a complex finance structure combining divisional teams with centralised reporting and FP&A capabilities.

The Role Based in Leeds and reporting directly to the Divisional Finance Director, with a dotted reporting line to the Group Financial Controller, you will be accountable for the accuracy and integrity of the divisional P&L and balance sheet, while leading the diagnosis and delivery of process improvements across the finance function.

Key responsibilities include:

Mapping end-to-end divisional finance processes, identifying bottlenecks, duplication, manual workarounds, control gaps and recurring close issues Diagnosing root causes and implementing improvements rather than repeatedly managing symptoms Leading delivery of already-identified improvement initiatives, while identifying further opportunities across process, controls and technology Managing the end-to-end divisional month-end close, including the trial balance, journals, P&L review and balance sheet sign-off Reviewing the trial balance against prior month, budget and forecast Identifying required adjustments and providing clear instructions to the General Accounting team Directing Management Accountants on revenue, direct cost and materials accruals Managing judgement-based accounting across revenue, WIP, direct costs and provisions Reviewing and challenging revenue recognition, accruals, provisions and other accounting judgements Leading the production and sign-off of the divisional results pack Submitting accurate financial information to Group Reporting within the agreed timetable Providing the Divisional Finance Director with commentary on actuals, run-rate performance and accounting movements Acting as the first point of escalation for accounting policy and process queries within the division Ensuring compliance with group accounting policies, processes and reporting standards Working with the FP&A Centre of Excellence to support management information, forecasting and planning cycles Ensuring new processes, systems and ways of working are properly documented, adopted and embedded Your Profile Fully qualified accountant, with ACA, ACCA or CIMA Significant Financial Controller or Divisional Controller experience Proven experience in finance process mapping, diagnosis and improvement Experience supporting or delivering finance transformation initiatives Strong technical accounting knowledge, including revenue recognition, WIP, accruals and provisions

Experience with in services, outsourced services, contracting or project-led environments Strong understanding of financial controls and month-end close processes Comfortable operating within a fast-paced, PE-backed environment Proven ability to implement and embed change Compensation & Benefits This interim role offers a day rate of £450-600 per day, dependent on experience, based in Leeds on a hybrid basis, 3 days per week.

The position provides the opportunity to take ownership of financial control for a significant division within a large PE-backed services group, while working closely with divisional and group finance leadership to deliver meaningful process improvements and leave the finance function materially stronger and more scalable.