Financial Controller

OPPORTUNITY:

The Finance Controller (FC) plays a critical role in driving financial excellence, overseeing both the operational and strategic financial functions of a fast-growing, private equity-backed business. This role offers a clear progression pathway to Finance Director (FD), emphasising the dynamic, hands-on nature of the position within a small and agile team.

The FC will work closely with the CEO, Global Corporate Services Director, SLT, and external stakeholders, including private equity investors and banks, ensuring robust financial management, covenant compliance, and data-driven decision-making.

This role provides a unique opportunity to operate as an FD in all but title within a lean, high-growth organisation. The successful candidate will have a clear pathway to stepping into the FD role, driving strategic initiatives and contributing to the long-term success of the business.

As a PE-backed business, responsibilities and priorities may evolve. Flexibility and adaptability will be critical to ensuring alignment with organisational goals.

ROLE:

Financial Leadership and Reporting

• Prepare monthly management accounts to the business and its subsidiaries, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
• Oversee statutory reporting, tax compliance, and audit processes across the group, liaising with Local Service Providers (LSPs) / ICT's.
• Manage the preparation and submission of VAT returns and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and report on cash flow forecasts, maintaining financial stability and planning.
• Build and maintain advanced financial models for KPIs, including cost-to-serve, cost-to-acquire, and P&L reporting to support business decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with PE-backed financial covenant management and bank debt structures, working directly with external investors and banking partners.
• Take ownership of the annual budgeting process, transforming financial plans into actionable strategies that drive our business forward. Lead the charge in delivering accurate forecasting, ensuring resources are deployed for maximum impact.
• Provide dynamic oversight and proactive solutions during budget reviews and adjustments. Partner with department heads to align investments with bold strategic ambitions.
• Build investor and banking confidence with clear, timely budget updates and financial reports.

Operational Finance and Systems

• Lead the finance team, driving performance and accountability in line with company values.
• Oversee the billing and credit control functions, ensuring effective disbursement management.
• Act as the Xero and XPM champion, optimising their use across the finance function and integrating them within the broader Xero ecosystem.
• Collaborate with the Transformation Director to develop a Xero optimisation roadmap, enhancing efficiency and scalability.

Strategic Business Partnering

• Partner with SLT and department heads, providing actionable financial insights to drive strategic objectives.
• Present financial data and recommendations at monthly board and management meetings.
• Act as a shared service for Corporate and HR functions, aligning financial reporting, payment, banking, and FX activities with organisational goals.

FX and Banking Oversight

• Oversee FX operations, including lead generation and relationship management, meeting revenue targets and aligning services with client needs.
• Manage banking relationships, ensuring effective partnerships and operational efficiency.
• Supervise the payments team, ensuring seamless service delivery for both internal and external clients.

Leadership and Development

• Lead, motivate, and develop the finance and FX teams, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Champion a client-centric approach, ensuring the highest service standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes and systems, reducing incidents and enhancing team effectiveness.
• Shape and inspire a high-performing team that fosters collaboration, accountability, and exceptional results. Empower your team to excel in a fast-paced, growth-focused environment.
• Build a resilient, future-ready team that's equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
• Create a strong proactive working relationship with CEO and Global Corporate Services Director.

Experience/Background Required

• Proven track record in financial management, ideally in private equity-backed, high-growth environments.
• Extensive experience in preparing management accounts, financial modelling, and covenant management.
• Expertise in using Xero and XPM with a passion for leveraging technology to enhance financial reporting and efficiency.
• Strong knowledge of FX operations, banking, and payment systems.
• Demonstrable ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
• Exceptional business partnering skills with a focus on strategic decision-making.

Desirable:

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Experience in presenting financial insights to boards and external stakeholders.
• Exposure to M&A and scaling operations in a global context.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Proactive and results-oriented, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communicator, capable of building trust with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Resilient and adaptable, maintaining composure under pressure.
• Collaborative leader who inspires teams to achieve excellence.

PLease call Phil on or email your CV