Financial Controller

Whiteoak Associates; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential (10–15%)

25 days holiday

Pension

Job summary

Whiteoak Associates, a growing private equity-backed business in the flexible workspace sector, seeks an experienced Financial Controller or Finance Manager in Greater London. You will own the finance function, lead a small team and influence commercial decisions as the company scales.

Reporting to the MD, you will drive cash flow discipline, robust financial controls and strategic insight to support expansion and investor reporting.

Qualifications

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent accounting qualification.
• Experience as Financial Controller or Finance Manager in an SME or growth business.
• Strong management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial control skills.
• Practical cash flow forecasting, credit control and working capital improvement.

Responsibilities

• Run monthly management accounts, reporting and robust controls.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, variance analysis and performance reporting.
• Oversee year-end accounts with external accountants and auditors.
• Handle VAT, HMRC matters and statutory compliance.
• Lead cash flow forecasting, invoicing, debt collection and supplier payments.
• Support commercial decisions with financial analysis and stakeholder liaison.
• Lead and develop a small two-person finance team.

Skills

Financial leadership

Management accounting

Budgeting & forecasting

Cash flow management

Stakeholder management

Real estate experience

Hands-on approach

Education

ACCA/ACCA/CIMA qualification

Job description

A hands-on finance leadership role with real commercial influence in a growing, private equity-backed business.

Are you an experienced Financial Controller or Finance Manager looking for a role where you can take genuine ownership, influence commercial decisions and help shape a business as it grows?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business operating in the flexible workspace and commercial property sector, following a recent private equity investment to support its next phase of expansion.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of the finance function, lead a small team and provide the financial insight, controls and cash flow discipline needed to support the company's continued growth.

This is a broad, hands-on role offering exposure to private equity investors, commercial decision-making and property-related investment opportunities. You'll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference rather than simply report on the numbers.

The Role

You will be responsible for the effective running of the finance function, combining day-to-day financial management with commercial analysis and business support.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Taking ownership of monthly management accounts, financial reporting and robust financial controls.
• Managing budgets, forecasts, variance analysis and financial performance reporting.
• Overseeing year-end accounts preparation, working closely with external accountants and auditors where applicable.
• Managing VAT returns, HMRC correspondence and relevant statutory and tax compliance requirements.
• Maintaining accurate accounting records and continuously improving financial procedures.

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Preparing and maintaining regular cash flow forecasts, identifying potential shortfalls and recommending action.
• Taking an active role in invoicing, credit control, debtor management and debt collection.
• Monitoring supplier payments, working capital and operating costs to ensure effective cash management.
• Monitoring the use of private equity investment funds in line with relevant investment arrangements.
• Identifying opportunities to improve cash collection, processes and overall financial performance.

Commercial Finance & Stakeholder Management

• Working closely with the Managing Director to support commercial and strategic decisions.
• Monitoring property and client-level financial performance, highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Supporting financial reporting to private equity investors and liaising with banks, solicitors, accountants and other professional advisers.
• Providing financial analysis to support property acquisitions, expansion plans and investment decisions.
• Assessing the financial implications of lease commitments, occupancy levels, client income and operating costs.

Team Leadership & Process Improvement

• Leading, supporting and developing the existing two-person finance team.
• Remaining hands-on with the day-to-day running of the function rather than relying solely on delegation.
• Improving financial systems, processes and reporting to support the business as it grows.
• Ensuring the finance function delivers accurate, timely and reliable information.

About You

You'll be a commercially minded, proactive finance professional who enjoys taking responsibility, working closely with senior stakeholders and balancing attention to detail with the bigger picture.

Ideally, you will have:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• Experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or in a similar senior finance role within an SME or growing business.
• Strong management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial control skills.
• Practical experience of cash flow forecasting, credit control, debtor management and working capital improvement.
• Experience overseeing year-end accounts preparation, VAT returns, HMRC matters and external accountants.
• Experience supervising, mentoring or developing junior finance colleagues.
• The confidence to work directly with senior management, investors and external stakeholders.
• A hands-on, organised and commercially focused approach, with the ability to identify improvements and take ownership.

Experience in property, real estate or flexible workspace would be advantageous, but is not essential.

What's on Offer?

• 10-15% performance-related bonus.
• 25 days' annual holiday.
• Pension.
• A key finance leadership role within a growing, private equity-backed business.
• Direct access to the Managing Director and exposure to private equity investors.
• Genuine ownership of the finance function, with the opportunity to shape processes and strengthen financial performance.
• Involvement in commercial decisions, property-related opportunities and business expansion.

Interested?

If you're an established Financial Controller or an ambitious Finance Manager ready to take the next step, this is an opportunity to combine hands-on financial leadership with genuine commercial responsibility.