Financial Controller

Avantia Law; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Avantia Law is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee financial operations and strategic planning. This role involves leading the finance team, ensuring compliance with regulations, and guiding financial decisions for long-term growth. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in financial management, particularly in SaaS or professional services, and will play a key role in shaping the company's financial future.

Benefits

25 days holiday + UK Bank Holidays

Private healthcare or wellness activity reimbursement

Pension scheme, enhanced after 1 year

Option to work abroad for up to 1 month/year

Qualifications

• 6+ years of relevant experience, ideally in SaaS or professional services.
• Big 4 audit experience preferred.
• Experience with US entities/subsidiaries is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance team and manage technical accounting.
• Ensure audit readiness and coordinate external audits.
• Manage tax strategy and compliance.

Skills

Financial modeling

Leadership

Technical accounting

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ACA, or equivalent)

Tools

Xero

Job description

About You And The Role
We are looking for a Financial Controller to manage Avantia's financial operations, strategic financial planning, analysis, and reporting to support informed decision-making. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient financial management and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Additionally, you will help shape the company's financial vision, guide financial decisions, and ensure long-term sustainability and growth.

This is a newly created key hire for the Finance team and the business.
The role reports to the VP of Finance and includes team management responsibilities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the Finance team, acting as a role model to foster a high-performance culture
• Own technical accounting, including accounting policy documentation (e.g., revenue recognition, share-based payments, intangible assets) and prepare the company for potential accounting standard changes
• Design and manage key control processes, including audit, tax, treasury, and financial controls
• Ensure audit readiness and coordinate external audits
• Oversee transactional finance, payroll, treasury, and cash flow management (AP & AR), transforming and automating these areas
• Manage tax strategy and compliance, transfer pricing, and R&D tax credits with external advisors' support
• Ensure compliance with local statutory requirements in all jurisdictions where the company operates (UK and US)
• Collaborate with commercial leaders to emphasize the importance of controls as the business scales
• Act as a trusted advisor to the VP of Finance, providing strategic guidance beyond financial control
• Manage cash flow and ensure the availability of funds for operational and strategic needs
• Maintain accurate cash and loan covenant reporting and manage banking relationships

Strategic Initiatives:

• Support the VP of Finance and executive team in evaluating and executing strategic initiatives, including new products, partnerships, and capital raising from an accounting perspective
• Drive cost awareness and management by participating in procurement and budgeting processes, scrutinizing spend requests to balance business needs with growth and profitability goals
• Participate in financial due diligence for potential acquisitions and investments
• Prepare the company for future financial events such as fundraising or capital markets transactions

Requirements:

• Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ACA, or international equivalent)
• Big 4 audit experience preferred
• 6+ years of relevant experience, ideally within SaaS or professional services industries
• Experience with private equity-backed or VC-backed companies is highly desirable
• Experience working with US entities/subsidiaries, including reporting and tax requirements
• Proven experience as a hands-on Finance Manager/Financial Controller
• Strong financial modeling skills
• Leadership experience in managing and mentoring teams
• Solid background in financial control, with commercial finance experience as an advantage
• Understanding of UK and US GAAP, IFRS, and their practical applications
• Able to manage change and challenge the status quo
• Experience with Xero or implementing new systems is highly desirable

Equal Opportunities
At Avantia, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We value the perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences each individual brings. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered. Our hiring process is merit-based, and we welcome applications from all qualified individuals. Please inform our Talent team of any reasonable accommodations needed during the recruitment process.

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday + UK Bank Holidays
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Private healthcare or wellness activity reimbursement
• Annual subscription to Calm or Headspace
• Early finish Fridays in summer
• Pension scheme, enhanced after 1 year
• Enhanced family policies after 1 year
• Option to work abroad for up to 1 month/year (subject to policy & approval)

Core Values:

• We empower our people: We trust our people to excel by giving them a voice, growth opportunities, and support. We hold ourselves accountable and aim to create meaningful impact.
• We champion excellence: Our values guide our decisions. We deliver exceptional results and build trust through our actions.
• We are building the future: Through innovation and listening to clients, we're shaping the next generation of legal services.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Accounting/Auditing

Industries

• IT Services and IT Consulting