Financial Controller

Willis Global; St Albans; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to 20%

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Willis Global seeks a Financial Controller for its UK Accounting Division, based in Hertfordshire, reporting to the Global Controller. The role oversees day-to-day accounting, monthly close, treasury activities and financial controls while leading a small, distributed accounting team and liaising with group finance and auditors.

Candidate must be fully ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with at least 5 years PQE and experience in stockist/inventory-led operations; UK GAAP/IFRS knowledge is essential.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA.
• Minimum 5 years post-qualification accounting experience.
• 2+ years in stockist/inventory led organisation.
• Experience in month-end close and maintaining financial records.
• Industry experience in distribution/logistics advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations and monthly close.
• Manage treasury activities and financial controls.
• Lead and develop a small globally distributed accounting team.
• Liaise with group finance, auditors, and tax advisers.

Skills

Financial reporting

Team leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Excel

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Tools

ERP system

Adaptive

Consolidation tools

Job description

Our client, a private equity‑backed global distributor operating across aerospace, defence, and specialty chemicals, is recruiting for a Financial Controller for its UK Accounting Division, based at offices in Hertfordshire within close proximity to the M1 / M25. This is a global role reporting into senior management at the company head office in the US. Proven experience reporting into Head Office is required to be considered for the role.

On Offer:

• A key leadership role within a highly regarded forward thinking organisation with great potential for global grow
• Salary: £70K - £90K per annum, depending on experience plus annual bonus up to 20%
• Other benefits including generous annual leave

The Company: With group revenues approaching $400M and a footprint spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The organisation specialises in technical distribution, combining specialist products, regulatory expertise, and responsive logistics to support customers in highly regulated, mission‑critical sectors.

The UK‑based MRO division, headquartered in Hertfordshire, generates approximately $150M in annual revenue and is one of the group’s most strategically important platforms, serving a global customer base in the commercial aviation market. The division operates its own ERP environment while maintaining close integration with group‑level reporting, treasury, and compliance.

Main Purpose of the Financial Controller:

Reporting in to Senior Management, the Financial Controller is a hands‑on role within the UK division, reporting to the Global Controller. You will oversee day‑to‑day accounting operations, monthly close, treasury activities, and financial controls. The role includes managing a small, globally distributed accounting team, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records, and liaising with group finance, auditors, and tax advisers. It suits someone detail‑oriented, organised, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment where deadlines and precision are essential.

Key Responsibilities of the Financial Controller:

• Financial Control & Reporting
• Compliance
• Budgeting & Commercial
• Working Capital & Treasury
• Team Leadership & Development

Qualifications & Experience Required to be Considered:

• Fully qualified ACA / ACCA / CIMA.
• Minimum 5 years post‑qualification or relevant accounting experience, including at least 2 years in working for a stockist / inventory led / materials management organisation
• Strong experience managing month‑end close and maintaining accurate financial records.
• Practice background welcome; industry experience preferred.
• Experience in distribution, manufacturing, logistics, or similar sectors advantageous.
• Demonstrable experience managing and developing accounting staff.

Technical Skills

• Strong command of UK GAAP and IFRS.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with Adaptive beneficial.
• Solid understanding of foreign exchange accounting.
• Hands‑on ERP experience; familiarity with consolidation and reporting tools.
• Working knowledge of UK tax compliance (corporation tax, VAT, PAYE/NIC).

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• A natural leader who sets high standards and takes ownership.
• Clear communicator able to present financial information confidently.
• Calm under pressure, able to manage multiple deadlines without compromising quality.
• Collaborative, proactive, and detail‑oriented with strong follow ‑through.