Financial Controller

Wilson James; Tendring; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading managed service provider is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to manage finance operations, ensure compliance, and lead a finance team. The role requires a qualified accountant with at least 5 years of post-qualification experience, strong knowledge of UK accounting standards, and excellent leadership skills. This position offers a salary of £65,000 - £70,000 pa and opportunities for career progression within the company.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Mortgage and financial advice

Learning & Development opportunities

Employee referrals

Health and Wellbeing benefits

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.
• 5+ years' post-qualification experience in finance.
• Strong knowledge of UK accounting and tax regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the finance team.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial statements.
• Oversee statutory reporting for compliance.

Skills

Accounting standards knowledge

Financial analysis

Leadership

Excel proficiency

Problem-solving

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

Tools

SAP

Job description

Overview

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex

Hours: Full time, Monday - Friday, 40 hours a week.

Pay: £65,000 - £70,000 pa

About The Role

We're looking for a commercially astute and experienced Financial Controller to take full ownership of our financial reporting, budgeting, compliance, and internal controls. This is a key leadership role, ensuring the accuracy of financial information, supporting strategic decision-making, and maintaining robust financial governance across the business.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant who's ready to lead and develop a finance team, drive operational efficiencies, and help shape the future direction of a growing organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the finance team, ensuring all reporting is accurate and timely.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, financial statements, and board reporting packs.
• Oversee statutory reporting and ensure compliance with UK GAAP, FRS 102, and other relevant regulations.
• Manage the budgeting and forecasting process, monitoring performance against targets.
• Coordinate the year-end audit and liaise with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements including VAT, PSA, and Corporation Tax.
• Develop and maintain strong financial controls, policies, and procedures.
• Provide financial insights and analysis to support business strategy and key decisions.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and funding requirements.
• Support the implementation of new finance systems or process improvements.
• Mentor, develop, and motivate members of the finance team.

Why Join Us

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days
• Lifestyle Benefits – Mortgage and financial advice, vouchers for various shopping outlets and food stores, employee referral scheme.
• Learning & Development – we actively encourage progression and offer various eLearning courses, progression, training whilst on site, apprenticeships, and in-house training courses.
• Health and Wellbeing – Life assurance scheme, access to mental health support specialists
• Access to an Online GP for you and your dependents.
• Financial support
• Discounts on hundreds of retail sites
• Progression opportunities – many of our team go on to senior and site management roles
• A welcoming, respectful team culture
• Cycle to Work scheme

What We Are Looking For

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Minimum 5+ years' post-qualification experience, ideally in a Financial Controller or senior finance position.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK accounting standards and tax regulations.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with modern finance systems.
• Proven track record of leading and developing teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Collaborative and confident when working with non-finance stakeholders.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.

Desirable

• Experience using SAP.
• Experience with FRS 102 reporting and overseas subsidiaries.

Interested? Apply now

Please be aware that, on occasion, we may close a vacancy earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of strong applications.

Wilson James is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. A criminal conviction will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position, however each case will be assessed on an individual basis. For information about Wilson James' commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, https://wilsonjames.co.uk/sustainability

Wilson James have been raising standards in security, construction logistics, aviation services, and technology for over 30 years. With 5,000 employees and a presence across over 300 client sites all over the UK, we are dedicated to delivering tailored solutions and top-tier customer service. As a leading managed service provider, we prioritise safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Joining Wilson James offers the excitement of working with diverse, vibrant clients, making for a dynamic and engaging workplace.

Internal Applicants

At Wilson James, we support career growth and offer internal mobility to help employees explore new roles and advance within the company. Committed to promoting from within, we provide clear career pathways and continuous skill development. Unlock your potential by applying for exciting internal opportunities and new challenge.

Location

Westcliff

Wilson James Ltd, Chalkwell Lawns, 648-656 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, UK, SS0 9HR