Financial Controller

MaxAd Recruitment Ltd; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established SME in Guildford is seeking a Financial Controller to manage all financial operations. This role offers a salary of £50,000 - £55,000 with the possibility of flexible work hours. The ideal candidate should have experience in finance, particularly within SME environments, and a strong knowledge of Sage 50. This position provides the opportunity for progression to a Finance Director role, in a friendly team environment focused on work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible work hours

Beautiful office location

Company culture focused on people

Opportunity for career progression

Qualifications

• Experienced finance professional with a background in SME environments.
• Comfortable working at both operational and strategic levels.
• Confident and collaborative in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end financial operations including compliance and forecasting.
• Produce monthly management accounts, budgets, and cash flow reports.
• Support commercial decision-making with financial analysis.
• Oversee payroll and HR systems management.

Skills

Sage 50

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Collaborative team skills

General IT skills

Education

Qualified by experience or industry-recognised qualifications

Tools

CRM software (e.g., PromoServe)

Xero

Job description

£50,000 - £55,000 + Benefits

Are you a hands‑on finance professional looking to escape the London commute and enjoy a better work‑life balance closer to home? Would you thrive in a warm, collaborative team where your voice matters, your experience is valued, and the environment is both professional and friendly?

A successful and well‑established SME is looking for a confident and capable Financial Controller to join the team at its beautiful countryside office in Surrey. To support the next phase of growth, the business is seeking a proactive individual to take ownership of all financial operations, with clear scope to progress into a Finance Director role over time.

This is a varied and rewarding position offering the chance to work as part of the senior leadership team, contribute at a strategic level, and support the day‑to‑day running of the finance function. Ideal for someone either qualified by experience, or with industry‑recognised qualifications, this role combines autonomy, flexibility, and the satisfaction of making a real difference.

Importantly, the company is currently updating and modernising its financial systems and processes and the successful candidate will play a key role in helping shape and implement these improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• End‑to‑end responsibility for finance, reporting, compliance, and forecasting
• Produce monthly management accounts, budgets, and cash flow reports
• Support commercial decision‑making with insightful financial analysis
• Manage a part‑time Bookkeeper and oversee all transactional finance activity
• Prepare bank reconciliations and ensure accurate control of financial records
• Oversee weekly payment runs, including foreign payments and employee expenses
• Process overhead invoices, foreign invoices, supplier payments, and credit card expenses
• Manage VAT returns, import duty and related compliance obligations
• Oversee the payroll process and support the smooth running of the HR system
• Work closely with the Directors to shape business strategy and performance
• Maintain systems (Sage 50) and CRM reporting (PromoServe or similar). Knowledge of other accountancy software such as Xero would be advantageous.

Skills & Experience

• Experienced finance professional (QBE welcome) with a background in SME environments
• Comfortable working at both operational and strategic levels
• Strong working knowledge of Sage 50 and good general IT skills
• Confident, collaborative and able to work well in an open‑plan team environment
• Looking for a local, stable and fulfilling role with scope to grow

What's on Offer

• £50,000 - £55,000 salary (depending on experience)
• Flexibility: 4 or 5 days per week considered, with flexible hours
• Progression to Finance Director over time
• Beautiful office location in Surrey (parking on site)
• A truly people‑focused, friendly team culture
• No more long commutes. Enjoy your evenings again

This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who enjoys being at the heart of a business, contributing at every level and helping shape the future. Whether you're ready for your first Financial Controller role or returning to work after a break, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now!