Financial Controller

Financial Controller St Albans

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Financial Controller to join our finance leadership team. Reporting directly to the CFO, this is a pivotal role with responsibility for financial reporting, audit management, compliance, controls, and the day-to-day leadership of the finance function.

You will play a key role in ensuring the integrity of financial information, supporting strategic decision-making, driving continuous improvement, and leading a high-performing finance team.

This position offers significant exposure to senior stakeholders across the business and the opportunity to contribute to major systems and process improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Controls

• Oversee all bookkeeping, accounting, and month-end processes.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts.
• Lead the preparation of annual statutory accounts and interim audit processes.
• Maintain and develop the chart of accounts and financial reporting framework within SAP.
• Ensure robust financial controls and compliance across the organisation.

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Lead annual and interim audits and manage relationships with external auditors.
• Prepare quarterly VAT returns and oversee regulatory submissions.
• Support corporation tax, capital allowances, and other tax compliance activities with external advisers.
• Manage annual R&D tax claims and assist with HMRC enquiries and requests.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements.

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Review and monitor aged debtors.
• Oversee debtor billing, hospitality revenue, and ticketing income.
• Manage bi-monthly operational and capital expenditure payment runs.
• Prepare management reports for lenders and key stakeholders.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Support the ongoing development and integration of finance systems, including SAP and wider business reporting tools.
• Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency, reporting accuracy, and financial insight.
• Maintain fixed asset registers, including intangible assets, and oversee monthly accruals and journals.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team.
• Manage performance, training, and development of direct reports.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture within the finance department.

About You

Essential Requirements

• ACA or ACCA qualified.
• Strong experience in financial reporting, management accounting, and financial analysis.
• Advanced Excel and systems skills.
• Proven leadership and people management experience.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, audit processes, and compliance.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Desirable Skills

• Previous experience within a complex, multi-department organisation.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Life Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing Training & Development Opportunities

If this sounds like an exciting role please do apply.