Financial Controller

Vitae Financial Recruitment; Ware; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to manage the finance function of a market-leading SME with operations across the UK and Europe. You must be fully qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA and have prior experience preparing SME accounts, ideally within distribution or retail sectors. This hands-on role involves team leadership and strengthening financial controls, offering a competitive salary between £80,000 and £90,000. Immediate availability for candidates is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must be fully Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
• Experience in distribution, wholesale, retail or supply chain sectors preferred.
• Significant experience preparing SME accounts.

Responsibilities

• Manage month-end close and ensure accurate financial reporting across UK and European entities.
• Lead and mentor a finance team covering accounts payable, receivable, payroll, credit control and general ledger.
• Strengthen internal controls and enhance financial governance across the group.

Skills

Financial reporting

Team leadership

Cashflow forecasting

Treasury management

Accounting standards

Education

Fully Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA

Tools

Excel

Bespoke software

Job description

Financial Controller

Established Market Leading SME | Turnover ~£20m

Ware, Hertfordshire

Circa £80,000 - £90,000

An established and well-respected SME, recognised as a market leader within its field, is seeking a highly capable and hands‑on Financial Controller (Must be fully Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA). With operations across the UK and Europe and a reputation built on quality, reliability, and long‑standing client relationships, this is a business that prides itself on doing things properly‑underpinned by strong values and high standards.

Reporting directly to the Finance Director and working closely with the business owners, this role is integral to the day‑to‑day running of the finance function. It combines technical strength, leadership, and a practical, hands‑on approach. The successful candidate will be comfortable leading a small team and stepping in to support junior staff when needed.

This position would suit someone already established in a Financial Controller role or a someone seeking their first move from an accountancy practice background with significant experience preparing SME accounts, or has been seconded into an in‑house Financial Controller role and is now looking to move into industry on a permanent basis. Candidates with purely audit‑focused backgrounds will not be considered.

Experience in distribution, wholesale, retail or supply chain sectors would be advantageous, as would prior exposure to international operations and multi‑currency environments.

Key Responsibilities

Statutory Financial Reporting & Controls

• Manage month‑end close and ensure accurate financial reporting across UK and European entities.
• Prepare statutory accounts and lead on the external audit process.
• Oversee group consolidation and compliance with financial reporting standards.

Cash, Treasury & FX

• Build and maintain detailed cashflow forecasts and treasury models.
• Manage multi‑currency bank accounts and monitor foreign exchange exposure.
• Oversee trade finance, invoice discounting and working capital facilities.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor a finance team covering accounts payable, receivable, payroll, credit control and general ledger.
• Promote a collaborative, accountable and supportive team culture.
• Provide hands‑on cover across all levels when required, particularly in transactional finance.

Systems & Processes

• Strengthen internal controls and enhance financial governance across the group.
• Lead improvements to reporting systems and tools, with a focus on automation and scalability (currently Excel and bespoke software).

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Finance Director, business owners, and senior team to provide accurate financial insight and support operational decision‑making.

At this stage we can only consider candidates on 1 months Notice or Less.

AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment

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