Financial Controller

Simpson Judge; Daresbury; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Judge in Daresbury, Cheshire, seeks an experienced Financial Controller to lead its finance function across multiple ventures. The role is hands-on, reporting to the Group CFO, combining financial control, reporting, compliance and commercial support.

Based 100% in the office, you will manage month-end, statutory accounts, audits, KPIs, cash flow forecasts, and financial controls, while partnering with senior management on strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• Strong UK GAAP and financial reporting knowledge.
• Experience managing a finance team and supporting senior stakeholders with commercial decisions.
• Expertise in cash flow forecasting, working capital and financial controls.
• Knowledge of VAT, payroll and financial compliance.
• Advanced Excel and accounting systems skills.
• Strong analytical, communication and problem-solving abilities, with high integrity.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and cross-train the finance team.
• Manage month-end and year-end close, P&L, balance sheet and cash flow reporting.
• Lead statutory accounts preparation and coordinate external audits.
• Oversee client accounts, VAT, corporation tax, PAYE, pensions and weekly payroll.
• Manage bank payment approvals, reconciliations and financial controls.
• Produce KPI dashboards and management information for Board decisions.
• Manage the group’s five-year forecast and 13-week rolling cash flow forecast.
• Maintain the risk register and implement process improvements.
• Support new business ventures, including finance system implementation and reporting structures.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Advanced Excel

Accounting systems

Cash flow forecasting

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Financial Controller

Daresbury, Cheshire

Salary up to £80,000 p.a.

Full-time, Permanent opportunity

100% office-based

An established and growing legal services business is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead its finance function across multiple businesses and new ventures.

Reporting to the Group CFO, this is a hands‑on leadership role combining financial control, reporting, compliance and commercial support, with direct exposure to senior management and the Board.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading, developing and cross‑training the finance team.
• Managing month‑end and year‑end processes, management accounts and accurate P&L, balance sheet and cash flow reporting.
• Leading statutory accounts preparation and coordinating external audits.
• Overseeing client account compliance, VAT, corporation tax, PAYE, pensions and weekly payroll cover.
• Managing bank payment approvals, reconciliations and financial controls.
• Producing KPI dashboards and management information to support business performance and Board‑level decisions.
• Managing the group’s five‑year forecast and 13‑week rolling cash flow forecast.
• Maintaining the risk register, identifying control weaknesses and implementing process improvements.
• Supporting new business ventures, including finance system implementation and reporting structures.

To be considered, you need to be a commercially minded finance professional who combines strong technical expertise with effective leadership and a hands‑on approach.

You’ll need:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• Strong UK GAAP and financial reporting knowledge.
• Experience managing a finance team and supporting senior stakeholders with commercial decisions.
• Expertise in cash flow forecasting, working capital and financial controls.
• Knowledge of VAT, corporation tax, payroll and financial compliance.
• Advanced Excel and accounting systems skills.
• Strong analytical, communication and problem‑solving abilities, with high integrity.

If you’re a qualified finance leader looking for a varied role combining operational control with commercial influence, we’d be keen to hear from you.