Financial Controller

Vertex Associates are proud to be partnering with a a leading consultancy business in hiring a Group Financial Controller on a permanent basis. This is a hybrid position consisting of 2 days per week in their central London office.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day accounting function, ensuring the integrity of the general ledger and the accuracy of financial records
• Own the month-end and year-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of financial results
• Maintain strong balance sheet controls, reconciliations and financial review procedures
• Ensure accounting policies are applied consistently and appropriately across the Group
• Ensure compliance with tax, regulatory, and legal requirements
• Manage the relationship with external auditors and ensure all audit deliverables are completed on time
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, legal requirements and internal policies
• Support the Finance Director and CFO with technical accounting matters as required
• Oversee the preparation and submission of corporate tax, VAT and other compliance returns, working closely with external advisors where appropriate
• Ensure the finance team maintains accurate records and controls to support tax and VAT compliance
• Support the development and maintenance of tax and accounting controls
• Systems and Finance Transformation
• Play a leading role in the SAP S/4HANA implementation, including process design, testing, data validation, controls design and go-live readiness
• Work closely with Technology, Finance Systems and external implementation partners to ensure finance requirements are fully embedded in the new system design
• Help define future-state finance processes that improve control, efficiency and scalability.
• Support data migration, reconciliation and post-implementation stabilisation activities
• Partner with senior stakeholders to provide financial insight and support strategic initiatives.
• Assist in quarterly forecasting and budgeting
• Support corporate projects where required
• Drive continuous improvement of financial processes, systems, and controls
• Lead, coach and develop the accounting and financial control team
• Set clear expectations, priorities and standards for the team
• Build capability, accountability and resilience across the finance operations and control environment
• Support cash flow forecasting, working capital monitoring and treasury processes in partnership with the Finance Director
• Maintain appropriate financial controls and risk management procedures across the finance function
• Escalate issues relating to control weaknesses, accounting risks or compliance matters in a timely manner

Requirements:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years post qualified experience
• Audit background (UK top 10 accounting firm)
• Strong leadership and management skills to lead a team of up to 9
• Experience of working in a complex, multi-entity or international business
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including accounting standards, statutory reporting and audit requirements
• Senior financial control experience, including ownership of month-end close, year-end close, statutory reporting and external audit processes
• Experience leading accounting teams and managing complex financial reporting activities.
• Strong understanding of tax, VAT, financial controls, balance sheet management and risk management procedures
• Experience supporting or leading major finance systems implementations, ideally SAP or a comparable ERP transformation
• Strong organisational, leadership and stakeholder-management skills
• Excellent attention to detail, with a strong commitment to accuracy, integrity and compliance
• A practical, hands-on and collaborative approach, with the ability to operate effectively in a changing environment

Vertex Associates Limited acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Vertex Associates is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training.