Financial Controller

Cognisys; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognisys seeks a detail-oriented Financial Controller to enhance financial operations and foster strategic decisions within a high-growth, cybersecurity environment. This hands-on role supports strategic planning while emphasizing precision, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving. Ideal for motivated professionals eager to shape the future of a dynamic company.

Benefits

Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership

Professional development budget

Employee Wellness Hub support

22 days holiday rising to 25

Refer a friend bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant holding ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent.
• Experienced in high-growth or scaling businesses.
• Capable of juggling tactical execution with strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing monthly management accounts and variance analysis.
• Perform bank reconciliations and maintain accurate financial records.
• Support in preparing VAT returns and liaise with tax authorities.

Skills

Financial modelling

Financial analysis

Communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Job description

Location: Leeds (Hybrid) – 2/3 days in the office

Salary: £60 - £70K (DOE)

Due to continued growth and expansion, we seek a highly motivated, detail-oriented Financial Controller. Reporting to the CEO and Fractional Finance Director, the successful candidate will assist with day-to-day financial operations and ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.

Cognisys is a fast-scaling, high-performance cybersecurity and GRC (Governance, Risk & Compliance) organisation, serving clients in over 30 countries, with a diverse, remote-first team across 7 nations. With 65 elite professionals, and growing rapidly, we’re building the gold standard in security delivery – and we don’t do average. We’re relentless, smart, and unapologetically ambitious – and we need a Finance Controller who is just as driven.

About the Role

This is not a back-office finance job. It’s a hands-on, sleeves rolled up, business-critical role for someone ready to shape the future of a company in ‘scale-up’ mode. You’ll work closely with the CEO, the Fractional Finance Director, and the senior leadership team to lead Finance operations, inform strategic decisions, and build a future-proof finance function. You’ll bridge strategy with execution – and you’ll do it with pace.

This role is for someone at the top of their game. If you’re looking for a cosy backseat or a slow climb, this isn’t it. But if you thrive in pace, precision, and purpose…we want to meet you!

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing monthly management accounts, including accruals, prepayments, and variance analysis.
• Perform bank reconciliations and ensure accurate maintenance of financial records.
• Process invoices, expenses, and payments, ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Assist with budget preparation and financial forecasting.
• Support in preparing VAT returns and liaise with tax authorities when necessary.
• Assist in the completion of balance sheet reconciliations.
• Provide financial analysis to support decision-making within the business.
• Work closely with other departments to ensure financial processes are adhered to.
• Assist in internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and explanations.
• Contribute to process improvements and efficiency within the finance department.
• Accurately process supplier invoices and employee expense claims across multiple international locations.
• Generate, verify, and issue multi-currency client invoices, ensuring accuracy and compliance with contractual agreements.
• Monitor outstanding invoices, follow up on payments, and effectively manage the debtors’ ledger.
• Reconcile supplier statements, investigate discrepancies, and ensure prompt resolution.
• Conduct regular bank reconciliations to maintain accurate financial records.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies between bank statements and internal records.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Support financial reporting processes, ensuring precise record-keeping for audit purposes.
• Provide payroll data, including absences, bonuses, and tax considerations for employees based internationally.
• Reconcile monthly credit card statements and expense reports in accordance with company policies.
• Ensure timely and accurate entry of financial transactions while adhering to international financial regulations and company policies.
• Maintain well-organised and up-to-date financial records and documentation.
• Assist with internal and external audits, liaising with auditors as required.
• Support the finance team with tax compliance across different jurisdictions.
• Provide administrative support to the finance team and assist with ad-hoc finance tasks as needed.

Requirements

• You will be a qualified accountant holding ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent.
• Experienced in high-growth or scaling businesses (ideally services or technology).
• Highly commercial, with excellent financial modelling and analysis skills.
• Capable of juggling tactical execution with strategic thinking.
• Exceptionally organised, resilient, and detail-obsessed.
• Comfortable working under pressure and driving things forward at speed.
• A confident communicator who can influence non-finance stakeholders.
• Familiar with global payroll, intercompany accounting, and multi-currency operations.

If you think you can deliver but don't match the criteria above, please don't be put off. We are very open-minded and focus on ability and attitude above skills.

What We Offer

• A front-row seat in a high-growth, mission-driven company.
• Direct access to senior leadership and decision-making.
• The opportunity to be mentored by our Chief Financial Officer to develop you as a Finance Director of the future.
• A chance to help shape the future of a global business.
• High-trust, high-accountability culture with no room for passengers.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment where customer care and innovation drive everything we do.
• A dedicated budget for your professional development
• EMI Employee Share Schemes provide the opportunity to share in the company's success.
• Access to an Employee Wellness Hub supported by Kara Connect for health and well-being resources.
• Frequent team social events and celebrations.
• 22 days holiday rising to 25, plus a birthday holiday.
• Refer a friend bonus scheme, up to £2,000!

Why Join Us?

At Cognisys, you will be part of a collaborative and innovative team that values your input and shares support. You'll have the opportunity to work on challenging projects that make a real impact on our clients. We'd love to hear from you if you want to challenge, lead and innovate!

We're not just about the work; we're about the people. Join a team where innovation is celebrated and your contributions are valued. We foster a collaborative environment where fresh ideas thrive and professional growth is encouraged.

Applications

Please feel free to reach out to Dom, our Head of Talent Acquisition, if you would like any further information, to discuss accessibility requirements, or if you require this information provided in an alternative format – [e-mail]

We welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and can make various reasonable adjustments to accommodate individual needs.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES, PLEASE