Financial Controller

SSP Deutschland GmbH; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international food service company is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee financial reporting, analysis, and strategic business partnering. The ideal candidate will have ACA/CIMA qualifications and a minimum of five years of experience, particularly within a client-facing or retail environment. You will work closely with senior management and lead financial initiatives, contributing to business strategies and team development. Strong analytical skills and familiarity with SAP S/4HANA are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience.
• Experience in a complex environment with retail focus.
• Experience working with BPO/shared service partners.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Partner with senior management for strategic initiatives.
• Lead financial analysis supporting decision-making.
• Provide financial input for business proposals.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Finance Director.
• Support development of financial talent in the team.

Skills

Client-facing experience

Financial accounting

Team development

Advanced Excel

Analytical capabilities

Education

ACA or CIMA qualified

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Job description

About Us
Operating in nearly 40 countries across the world, our purpose is to be the best part of the journey. Whether our customers are flying abroad on holiday, heading off on a business trip or commuting to work by train, we aim to offer them food and drink experiences that meet their many different tastes and needs.
What You’ll Get from Us
Our commitment to learning and development is our commitment to unlocking our people’s success. We strive to provide a wide range of resources that boost our people’s skills today, and help them fulfill their potential tomorrow. No matter where you join us, you’ll have all the tools you need to take charge of your development. Surrounded by like‑minded colleagues and guided by industry experts, it’s your career, your way at SSP.

About the Role

The Financial controller has a broad and varied remit, covering year end accounting, management, FPA and business partnering across the Rail Gourmet (RG) business. The position allows progression within a wider finance team for further career development opportunities available once proven successful in this role.

The position reports to the Finance Director, Ireland, Netherlands & Rail Gourmet. The post‑holder will be required to build strong relationships with the RG leadership team, group finance and external auditors. The post‑holder will work closely with our shared services in our Birmingham office who are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the UK’s financial accounting processes and controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting: Ensure timely and accurate reporting of financial performance, continuously enhancing the quality and insight of reporting outputs, including statutory and group financial reporting.
• Business Performance & Improvement: Partner with senior management to identify, implement, and track strategic initiatives and value creation opportunities.
• Financial Analysis: Oversee financial analysis to support operational performance reviews and decision‑making.
• Contract & Proposal Support: Lead financial input into new business proposals and revisions to existing contracts, ensuring robust return and risk assessments.
• Strategic Business Partnering: Act as a trusted advisor to the Finance Director and wider leadership team, contributing to the development and execution of business strategy.
• Team Leadership Development: Provide strong leadership to direct reports and support the development of financial talent across the team.

What we're looking for

• Proven experience in a complex, client‑facing or retail environment.
• Strong technical background in financial accounting and business planning.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a focus on team development and succession planning.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.
• ACA or CIMA qualified, with a minimum of 5 years post‑qualification experience.
• Experience in the rail or contract services industry.
• Familiarity with SAP S/4HANA.
• Experience working with BPO/shared service partners.

Why Join Us

You’ll be part of a collaborative team that values initiative, problem‑solving, and professional growth. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work across diverse projects and make a visible impact from day one.

At SSP, we value diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects a variety of skills, talents, and backgrounds.