Financial Controller

This 15-month maternity cover contract in London offers £80,000-£100,000 annually. Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Financial Controller leads the finance team and owns financial control, month-end and year-end close, management reporting, cash flow, VAT, payroll and external audit. The role involves enhancing systems and processes while supplying insight to support wider business growth. Candidates should demonstrate strong technical accounting knowledge, proven team leadership and excellent stakeholder management skills. This position suits a qualified accountant seeking a substantial contract within a well-established Central London organisation.

Financial Controller - 15-Month Maternity Cover | Contract | Central London "Control your own destiny or someone else will." Jack Welch.

Sheridan Maine is delighted to be recruiting a Financial Controller for a well-established and growing organisation based in Central London. This is a 15-month maternity cover contract offering the opportunity to take ownership of the day-to-day finance function and play a key role in supporting the organisation through an exciting period of growth. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will lead the finance team and oversee financial control, month-end and year-end close, management reporting, cash flow, VAT, payroll and external audit. You will also contribute to improving systems and processes, providing financial insight and supporting wider business decision-making.

Your responsibilities as the Financial Controller will include:

• Lead, develop and mentor the finance team, ensuring clear accountability and high standards.
• Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, supplier payments and staff expenses.
• Own the month-end and year-end close, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts and maintain the balance sheet, ensuring reconciliations are completed and reviewed.
• Prepare rolling cash flow forecasts and provide insight into cash position and potential risks.
• Manage the fixed asset register and ensure financial controls remain effective.
• Review and submit VAT returns and oversee corporation tax preparation.
• Manage the payroll process, working with the outsourced payroll provider and resolving queries where required.
• Act as the key contact for external auditors and support the preparation of statutory financial statements.
• Lead annual budgeting and regular reforecasting across key areas of the business.
• Provide financial analysis and insight into trading performance, margins, labour and cost control.
• Identify opportunities to improve, automate and standardise finance processes and systems.
• Support the Head of Finance with ad hoc projects and wider strategic initiatives.

To be considered for this Financial Controller position, you will have/be:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with at least three years' post-qualified experience.
• Experience within a commercially focused finance environment, ideally within hospitality, retail, hotels or restaurants.
• Strong experience of managing month-end and year-end close processes.
• Previous experience managing external audits and statutory reporting.
• Confident presenting financial information and providing constructive challenge to senior stakeholders.
• Experience improving finance processes, strengthening controls and driving efficiencies.
• A hands-on, resilient approach with the ability to balance strategic thinking with operational detail.

What's on Offer?

• A 15-month maternity cover contract with an established and growing organisation.
• A senior finance role with broad responsibility across financial control, reporting and business partnering.
• The opportunity to lead and develop a finance team.
• The opportunity to improve systems, processes and controls while supporting business growth.

If you're a qualified Financial Controller looking for a broad and hands-on 15-month contract where you can make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.

You are required to be eligible to work in the UK full time without restriction.

Due to the high volume of applications, it is not always possible to respond to unsuccessful applicants. Therefore, if we have not responded to your application within five days, please assume that on this occasion your application has not been successful.