Financial Controller

Vitae Financial Recruitment; Watford; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A rapidly expanding business in Watford is seeking a talented Financial Controller to manage financial operations and provide strategic oversight. The role involves leading a finance team, ensuring compliance and efficiency, and supporting M&A transactions. Ideal candidates will be qualified accountants with strong technical skills and experience in financial modelling. This position requires a proactive mindset and a record of achievement in finance, with a focus on aligning financial strategies with company goals.

Benefits

Bonus structure

Benefits package

Qualifications

• Strong technical skills required.
• Experience in M&A transaction support beneficial, including financial modelling and due diligence.
• Knowledge of personal and corporate tax essential.

Responsibilities

• Ensure efficient functioning of finance operations, including payroll and cash flow management.
• Oversee monthly management reporting, maintaining communication with lenders.
• Prepare ad hoc management reports to support business decisions.
• Lead enhancements to financial processes and controls.
• Manage banking relationships and oversee the treasury function.
• Prepare statutory accounts and ensure compliance.
• Coordinate with external auditors for audits.
• Develop financial planning and scenarios to support business initiatives.
• Oversee M&A transaction processes from initiation to completion.
• Evaluate acquisition targets and provide comprehensive analysis.

Skills

Strong technical skills

Experience in M&A transaction support

Knowledge of personal and corporate tax

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Job description

Financial Controller, Watford, Hertfordshire

75–85kpa plus benefits plus bonus

Our client, a rapidly expanding business, who have seen a sustained period of exciting growth and transition, are looking to bring on board a talented and highly driven Financial Controller. This senior finance role offers a dynamic blend of strategic oversight and hands‑on management, crucial for steering the financial operations. You will play a pivotal role in both the day‑to‑day financial management and in providing expert support and advice for M&A transactions. As the Financial Controller, you will collaborate closely with directors to shape the future strategy and growth plans of the business. Directly managing the group’s financial operations, you will ensure accuracy and efficiency while providing strategic advice and support for mergers and acquisitions, facilitating the company's growth trajectory. You will lead and mentor a dedicated finance team, including a Finance Manager, Bookkeeper, and Accounts Assistant. Ensuring effective task distribution and workflow management will be essential to maintain smooth operations and support business expansion. Engaging actively with the executive team, you will align financial strategies with business goals, driving financial planning and analysis to support the company’s ambitious growth pipeline over the next few years. Outside of corporate responsibilities, this role also includes assisting the directors with personal tax compliance, advising on wealth planning, and coordinating with professional advisers for tax‑related advice. This role requires a proactive and strategic mindset, combined with strong leadership skills, to foster a high‑performing finance team and drive the company’s financial success.

Responsibilities

Group financial operations

• Financial Oversight: Ensure the efficient functioning of all finance operations, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash flow management.
• Monthly Reporting: Oversee the monthly management reporting process, maintaining compliance with loan covenants through effective communication with lenders.
• Ad Hoc Analysis: Prepare insightful ad hoc management reports to support and inform key business decisions.
• Process Improvement: Lead the team in enhancing and implementing robust financial processes and control frameworks.
• Banking and Treasury: Manage banking relationships and oversee the treasury function to optimise financial resources.
• Statutory Compliance: Prepare annual statutory accounts and corporation tax returns, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Audit Coordination: Coordinate with external audit teams to facilitate smooth and accurate audits.
• Financial Planning: Develop financial planning and scenario modelling to support strategic business initiatives.

M&A transaction support and advice

• Transaction Management: Oversee the entire M&A transaction process from initial stages through to completion.
• Target Analysis: Evaluate potential acquisition targets and provide comprehensive reports to the directors.
• Investment Reporting: Prepare detailed investment reports and forecasts for funders' credit approval, ensuring informed decision‑making.
• Due Diligence: Conduct financial and commercial due diligence, working closely with legal advisers to ensure thorough evaluation.
• Acquisition Onboarding: Manage the onboarding of new acquisitions by updating financial processes and controls to align with group standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA).
• Strong technical skills.
• Experience (Ideal) in M&A transaction support – financial modelling and financial due diligence.
• Knowledge of personal and corporate tax.

Please note, this is a 5 days a week in the office role. Candidates that apply need to also demonstrate an outstanding record of achievement in their career to date.