Financial Controller

SSP; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider in Birmingham seeks an experienced Financial Controller to oversee financial reporting and analyses, while partnering with senior management to drive performance improvements. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in financial accounting and proven leadership skills. The role offers opportunities for progression within the finance team and a chance to make an impact in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of financial performance.
• Partner with senior management to identify, implement, and track strategic initiatives.
• Oversee financial analysis to support operational performance reviews.
• Lead financial input into new business proposals.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Finance Director.
• Provide strong leadership to direct reports.

Skills

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

Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities

Education

ACA or CIMA qualified

Minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience

Tools

SAP S / 4HANA

Job description

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

Essential

• 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.

Desirable

• 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.

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