Finance Reporting & Controls Leader - Hybrid (NW England)

James Fisher and Sons; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Company Pension

Job summary

James Fisher and Sons is seeking a Reporting and Controls Lead to own reporting, controls, and statutory compliance across a £100m revenue division. This role blends hands-on financial leadership with transforming reporting capabilities and governance, while guiding finance system enhancements.

Based in the North West, with a mandatory presence at the Preston office two days per week, you will lead a high-performing finance team and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to drive business

Qualifications

• Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in financial control, reporting, or a senior finance role within a global business.
• Experience of multi-entity and/or multi-currency environments.
• Strong track record in month-end close, balance sheet control, and management reporting.
• Experience of finance transformation and/or ERP implementations.
• Statutory accounts, external audit, and accounting standards expertise.
• Proven people leadership and team development experience.
• Strong cash flow and working capital management skills.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively with finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Demonstrable success in improving financial controls, reporting processes, and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate monthly management accounts and Group reporting within a four-day close cycle.
• Maintain strong financial controls while ensuring compliance with accounting standards, Group policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee statutory reporting, tax deliverables, and external audit requirements.
• Lead cash forecasting and provide clear visibility of cash flow, risks, and opportunities.
• Drive improvements in working capital performance and project cash conversion.
• Act as the primary contact for external auditors, coordinating audits and statutory reporting.
• Ensure control issues are identified, addressed, and resolved effectively.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Partner with operational, commercial, and Group Finance stakeholders to support business performance and decision‑making.
• Support financial planning, performance reporting, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead the finance workstream for ERP (IFS) implementation and wider transformation projects.
• Drive process standardisation, automation, reporting improvements, and successful adoption of new ways of working.

Education

Qualified accountant

Tools

IFS ERP

Job description

James Fisher and Sons is seeking a Reporting and Controls Lead to own reporting, controls, and statutory compliance across a £100m revenue division. This role blends hands-on financial leadership with transforming reporting capabilities and governance, while guiding finance system enhancements.

Based in the North West, with a mandatory presence at the Preston office two days per week, you will lead a high-performing finance team and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to drive business