Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Our client is a well-established, independent financial services company based in Southampton, with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality advice and support to businesses and individuals. They are committed to building long-term relationships with clients, helping them manage their financial affairs efficiently and effectively while supporting their wider business goals.

Role Purpose

The Financial Controller is responsible for overseeing the firm s financial operations, ensuring strong financial governance, accurate reporting, and compliance with all regulatory obligations. This role is key to supporting strategic decision-making through insightful financial analysis while maintaining the integrity of financial systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Control

• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Ensure all financial reporting is accurate, complete, and delivered on time
• Maintain and strengthen financial controls, policies, and procedures
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations
• Manage the general ledger, reconciliations, and month-end/year-end close processes

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process and regular financial forecasting
• Monitor performance against budgets and provide detailed variance analysis
• Work closely with department heads to support financial planning and cost control initiatives

Cashflow & Treasury Management

• Oversee cash flow forecasting and working capital management
• Manage banking relationships and optimise cash utilisation
• Ensure sufficient liquidity is maintained to support operational requirements

Audit & Compliance

• Coordinate and manage external audit processes
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and tax regulations, including VAT returns, RTI, Auto Enrolment, and PSA obligations
• Act as the main point of contact for auditors and regulatory bodies

Financial Analysis & Business Partnering

• Provide meaningful financial analysis to support strategic business decisions
• Develop KPIs and performance reporting dashboards for senior leadership
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and process improvements

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, manage, and develop the finance team, including performance reviews and training
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ensure responsibilities are appropriately allocated and the team is effectively resourced
• Provide line management support to the internal bookkeeper

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and improve financial systems, reporting tools, and internal processes
• Support the implementation and enhancement of finance systems where required
• Drive automation and efficiency initiatives within the finance function
• Lead the finance team in maximising the use of practice management systems to deliver meaningful financial reporting and KPIs

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking capabilities

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)
• Significant experience in financial management and reporting
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards and regulatory requirements
• Advanced Excel and financial systems expertise
• Proven experience managing and developing teams

Desirable

• Experience within a professional services or similar environment
• Experience leading process improvement or systems implementation projects

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate and timely financial reporting
• Robust financial controls and successful audit outcomes
• Effective cash flow and budget management
• A high-performing and well-supported finance team
• Clear financial insight contributing to business growth

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