Financial Controller

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Professional membership support

Agile/Hybrid Working Policy

Dress for your Diary Policy

Job summary

Hollybank Trustees Ltd in Cambridge is seeking a Financial Controller to lead client financial operations within our Virtual Finance office. The role focuses on delivering high-quality financial management services, ensuring client satisfaction, and supporting team development.

The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant with strong expertise in financial management and client service delivery. This position offers a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Experience of managing internal stakeholders of all levels of seniority.
• Strong experience in financial management and client service delivery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including providing a high standard of service to clients.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage client relationships from onboarding through to ongoing delivery.
• Lead financial discussions confidently with clients and stakeholders.
• Review and sign off management accounts and financial reports.

Skills

Transaction Services

Financial Management

Client Service Delivery

Team Leadership

Communication Skills

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

Financial Modelling

Valuations

Job description

Location: Hybrid / Cambridge, UK

Job type: Permanent / Full-time

Sector and subsector: Accounting & Finance | Finance

Salary: Competitive salary

Reporting to: Director / Senior Leadership Team

Hours: Full time Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm (37.5 hours per week)

Location: Cambridge

Affinia is the UK’s fastest growing purpose‑led, purpose‑built Accountancy firm, focused on building stronger, more valuable relationships. With over 1000 colleagues across the East, South East, London and the Midlands, we are dedicated to supporting our clients, colleagues and communities.

We advise businesses, public sector organisations, charities and individuals throughout the UK and internationally across six Service Lines – Accounts Solution, Taxation, Audit & Assurance, Corporate Finance, Payroll and Corporate Recovery, supported by centralised enabling functions spanning People, Finance, Marketing, Business Support, IT, Risk and Corporate Development. Our team also offers in‑depth sector expertise across a number of sectors, ensuring our clients receive the best short‑to‑medium‑ and long‑term advice, tailored to them.

We are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work, adapting to the evolving technology and regulatory landscape while consistently exceeding client expectations.

Our people are our most valuable asset. We are therefore committed to supporting our colleagues throughout their professional development, providing guidance and training at whatever stage of their career they join us.

Purpose of the Role:

Affinia (formerly Green & Purple, Cambridge) is currently seeking a high calibre, dynamic and energetic individual to join the firm as Financial Controller within our Virtual Finance office (VCFO) Accounts team.

The Financial Controller is responsible for leading client financial operations, delivering high‑quality financial management services, and supporting the development of both clients and internal teams. The role combines technical accounting expertise, commercial awareness, client relationship management, and team leadership to ensure exceptional service delivery and business growth.

The Financial Controller acts as a trusted advisor to clients, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement, driving financial insight, and ensuring strong operational and financial controls across all engagements.

Accountabilities:

Client Leadership & Relationship Management

• Own and manage client relationships from onboarding through to ongoing delivery.
• Lead financial discussions confidently with clients and stakeholders.
• Provide proactive financial advice and strategic insight.
• Lead client meetings, proposals, and service reviews.
• Identify opportunities to expand service offerings and support business growth.
• Oversee billing, recoveries, WIP, and client profitability.
• Monitor client budgets, resource allocation, and scope management.
• Support forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning activities.
• Drive efficiencies and process improvements.

Technical & Delivery Excellence

• Review and sign off management accounts and financial reports.
• Ensure high standards of accuracy, quality, and compliance.
• Provide technical accounting guidance to clients and team members.
• Present financial information confidently to senior stakeholders.
• Coach, mentor, and develop junior team members.
• Delegate effectively while maintaining oversight and support.
• Build a collaborative and high‑performing culture.
• Support performance management and development planning.

Technology & Process Improvement

• Identify inefficiencies and recommend process improvements.
• Support implementation of improved workflows and systems.
• Champion effective use of financial systems and technology.

Risk, Quality & Compliance

• Identify, assess, and manage financial and operational risks.
• Maintain strong quality control and compliance standards.
• Take ownership of issues through to resolution.

Skills / Qualifications

The ideal individual will be experienced in Transaction Services activities including FDD, valuations and financial modelling. There is a particular need for an individual who brings strong expertise in either or both business valuations and financial modelling, particularly with experience in valuations relating to disputes/litigation. They will possess strong interpersonal and communication skills with a genuine desire to contribute to the strategic direction and success of the Affinia group. They must also possess:

• Experience of managing internal stakeholders of all levels of seniority.
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong experience in financial management and client service delivery.
• Experience leading and developing teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including providing a high standard of service to clients.
• Strong commercial awareness and problem‑solving ability.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong systems and technology skills.

Culture & Core Benefits

• Option to buy up to 3 days per annum
• Auto enrolment Pension Scheme with True Potential
• Death in Service
• Professional membership support
• Paycare – claim money back for Dental / Optical / Professional Therapies
• Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
• Dress for your Diary Policy

Affinia is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible and agile roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.

Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.