Financial Controller

CMA Recruitment Group; Crowdhill; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working 1 day WFH

Performance bonus

PE and M&A exposure

Clear path to FD

Job summary

CMA Recruitment Group is partnering with a fast-growing Southampton-based business seeking a commercially minded Financial Controller with FD potential. You will own financial reporting, lead budgeting, and support ongoing M&A activity, with a direct path to an FD role within 2–3 years.

You’ll work with an experienced FD and be involved in investor reporting and board commentary. The role offers a £70,000–£80,000 salary, performance bonus, and a hybrid setup (1 day WFH), with clear progression

Qualifications

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified.
• Technically strong – comfortable with UK GAAP (FRS 102) and management reporting.
• Commercially minded and hands-on – engages with the business, not just the numbers.
• Ambitious, proactive and ready to operate in a fast-moving environment.
• PE-backed or high-growth experience is a bonus, not a requirement.

Responsibilities

• Own financial reporting, board packs and investor commentary.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.
• Support active M&A activity including due diligence and integration.
• Drive improvements to controls, systems and reporting – including AI and automation.
• Manage and develop a small finance team of three.

Skills

Financial reporting

Budgeting & forecasting

M&A due diligence

Leadership & management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Tools

UK GAAP (FRS 102)

Job description

Are you a qualified accountant who wants more than a month‑end close?

This is a role built for someone ambitious. A PE‑backed business in Southampton, Hampshire – technology‑led, acquisitive, and growing fast – is looking for a commercially minded Financial Controller with genuine FD potential. The expectation is clear from day one: perform well here and you're the frontrunner for the FD seat within 2‑3 years.

Revenue has grown 50% in two years. There's an acquisition already in progress. The finance function is evolving quickly and needs someone who wants to be part of shaping it – not just maintaining it. You'll work directly with a PE‑experienced FD who is invested in your development. Board exposure, investor reporting, M&A involvement – it's all on the table from the start.

What will the Financial Controller role involve?

• Own financial reporting, board packs and investor commentary
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and long‑term financial planning
• Support active M&A activity including due diligence and integration
• Drive improvements to controls, systems and reporting – including AI and automation
• Manage and develop a small finance team of three

Suitable candidate for the Financial Controller vacancy

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified
• Technically strong – comfortable with UK GAAP (FRS 102) and management reporting
• Commercially minded and hands‑on – someone who engages with the business, not just the numbers
• Ambitious, proactive and ready to operate in a fast‑moving environment
• PE‑backed or high‑growth experience is a bonus, not a requirement

Additional benefits and information for the role of Financial Controller

• £70,000‑£80,000 depending on experience
• Performance‑based bonus
• Hybrid working (1 day WFH)
• Real PE and M&A exposure
• Clear, supported path to FD

CMA Recruitment Group is acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role. CMA complies with all relevant UK legislation and doesn't discriminate on any protected characteristics. By completing the application process, you agree to the terms outlined in our Privacy Notice and that CMA may contact you in connection with your application in relation to CMA providing you with work‑finding services. Our Privacy Notice can be viewed under the privacy tab on our website. CMA is currently receiving a high volume of applications. Whilst we ensure all applications are considered, regrettably, it may not be possible to respond individually to all applications received.