Group Finance Controller - MAT Cover

Ultimate Performance; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global fitness leader in Manchester is seeking a Head of Finance Manager to oversee financial control, payroll, and reporting functions. This role requires a qualified accountant with post-qualified experience, ideally in a multi-site and Private Equity-backed environment. You will lead a high-performing team, ensuring financial accuracy and driving improvements within the organization. The ideal candidate should also be detail-oriented and proactive.

Benefits

25 days holiday, plus bank holidays

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Simply Health policy for health costs

Discounts on supplements and personal training

Salary sacrifice benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Free group fitness classes

Hybrid working (2 days at home)

Qualifications

• 2-4 years’ post-qualified experience in industry, ideally in a multi-site business.
• Experience in a Private Equity-backed business (preferred).
• Bonus points for experience in the fitness, wellness, or hospitality sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop two direct reports (Financial Accounting & Payroll).
• Oversee payroll across multiple regions.
• Own the cashflow and covenant forecasts across the group.
• Lead statutory accounts, audits, and financial reporting across multiple countries.

Skills

Proactive self-starter

Collaboration

Detail-oriented

Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments

Education

Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, CA or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

Who We Are: Founded in London in 2009, Ultimate Performance (UP) has grown into a global leader in body transformation, with 27 private gyms across four continents — from Los Angeles to Sydney. Our reputation is built on delivering exceptional, measurable results through science-backed training and nutrition programs, tailored to each client.

The Role

As a Private Equity-backed business, we are in an exciting phase of rapid growth and transformation. We’re now looking for a Head of Finance Manager to join our high-performing finance team and play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of our global operations.

This is a broad and business-critical role with oversight across key financial control, cashflow, payroll and reporting functions. You will lead and develop teams, ensure financial accuracy and drive improvements across the global business.

We’re after someone who’s agile, ambitious and detail-obsessed, with the gravitas to work with senior leadership and the curiosity to help us continually improve.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and develop two direct reports (Financial Accounting & Payroll).
• Champion best practice in financial control during a period of rapid growth and change.
• Oversee payroll across multiple regions – our people are our biggest investment.
• Own the cashflow and covenant forecasts across the group.
• Partner with FP&A, senior finance leaders, and regional teams to deliver robust P&L and cash forecasts.
• Lead statutory accounts, audits, and financial reporting across multiple countries.
• Drive budgeting excellence alongside Head of FP&A.
• Manage the treasury function across all global entities.
• Oversee tax reporting, transfer pricing, and group tax policy.
• Support insurance policies, company secretarial duties, and banking compliance.
• Improve and streamline transaction processes and financial systems.
• Implement tight controls across payroll and purchase ledger.
• Enhance financial reporting platforms and automation across the group.

What we’re looking for

• Be a qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, CA or equivalent) with a strong academic background.
• Have 2-4 years’ post-qualified experience in industry, ideally in a multi-site business.
• Be a proactive self-starter who thrives in fast-paced, performance-driven environments.
• Have experience working in a Private Equity-backed business (preferred).
• Be a natural collaborator with a “roll-up-your-sleeves” mindset.
• Bonus points for experience in the fitness, wellness, or hospitality sectors.

What we value

At UP, we believe in high standards and personal accountability. We look for people who embody our values:

Results-Driven: You focus on outcomes that genuinely move the needle

Own It: You take full ownership, wins, failures, & everything in between.

Passion for Progress: You’re driven by growth, not just the finish line.

Supportive & Personalised: You adapt your approach because no two people (or challenges) are the same

What You’ll Get

Here’s what you can expect when you join the UP team:

• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme: salary sacrifice with employer contributions
• Simply Health policy: claim back costs for dental, optical, physio, massage & more
• Exclusive UP discounts, including 40% off our supplements, books, and partner offers
• Personal Training discounts: up to 50% off our world-class transformation programme (up to 36 sessions a year) for you and a loved one
• Salary sacrifice benefits: Cycle to Work, Tech, and Home schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme: free 24/7 mental health, counselling, and financial advice
• Free group fitness classes at our Manchester gym in Spinningfields
• Hybrid working: two days per week working from home

If you’re interested in the Head of Fiance Maternity cover position, please apply now!

All job applicants are required to have a valid right to work.

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