Group Financial Controller

Cpl Life Sciences; Crewe; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life sciences company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Group Financial Controller to manage financial oversight and ensure compliance across operations. This role involves strategic financial planning, accurate reporting, and leading the finance team. The ideal candidate should be a qualified accountant with extensive experience in SME environments and knowledge of relevant accounting standards. Competitive compensation package offered.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with ACCA or ACA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Senior Financial Accountant or Financial Controller.
• Strong working knowledge of US GAAP and IFRS.
• Experience in SMEs (~£50m turnover) and consulting desirable.
• Audit and compliance experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting practices across all Group entities.
• Ensure accuracy of financial statements and compliance.
• Lead financial compliance efforts and prepare for audits.
• Collaborate with Analysts on strategic planning and budgeting.
• Design and implement improved financial processes and controls.
• Define KPIs and success metrics for finance initiatives.
• Optimise cashflow and investment activities.
• Maintain robust financial accounting records and control environment.
• Analyse financial data and monitor expenditure across the Group.
• Provide regular financial reports to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
• Partner with CFO to enhance and embed month-end processes.
• Ensure timely and accurate statutory returns.
• Develop and implement Group consolidation reporting.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACCA or ACA preferred)

5 years’ experience in a similar role

Knowledge of US GAAP and IFRS

Experience in SMEs and consulting

Audit and compliance knowledge

Education

ACCA or ACA

Job description

The Group Financial Controller will be responsible for providing technical accounting oversight and financial control across all Group entities, including operations in the UK, Europe, USA, and other regions as the organisation expands. This role is pivotal in ensuring financial compliance, strategic financial planning, and accurate reporting to support the company’s growth and operational excellence.

Qualifications & Experience

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA or ACA preferred).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Senior Financial Accountant or Financial Controller.
• Strong working knowledge of US GAAP and IFRS.
• Experience in SMEs (approx. £50m turnover) and consulting (desirable).
• Audit and compliance experience (desirable).

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Oversight

• Oversee accounting practices across all Group entities.
• Ensure accuracy of financial statements and adherence to accounting standards and internal controls.
• Lead financial compliance efforts and prepare the company for audit readiness.

Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with Commercial Finance Analysts on strategic planning and budgeting.
• Support financial change management initiatives to drive business growth.
• Design and implement improved financial processes and controls.
• Define KPIs and success metrics for finance initiatives.
• Optimise cashflow and investment activities.
• Maintain robust financial accounting records and control environment.
• Analyse financial data and monitor expenditure across the Group.
• Provide regular financial reports to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
• Partner with CFO to enhance and embed month-end processes.
• Ensure timely and accurate statutory returns.
• Develop and implement Group consolidation reporting.
• Deliver key financial metrics and forecasts for Balance Sheet and Cashflow.
• Work closely with the CFO and other senior leaders to embed finance initiatives.
• Partner with the IT Manager to ensure system integrity and data quality.

Leadership

• Line manage the Finance Manager and wider Accounts team.
• Develop and train the finance team, sourcing external training as needed.

Finance Processes, Policies & Procedures

• Review and document current accounting policies and controls.
• Collaborate with CFO to implement new policies aligned with Group requirements.
• Support budgeting and resource allocation decisions.
• Manage finance systems for compliance and efficiency.
• Assist CFO with company secretarial duties.

General Responsibilities

• Stay informed on financial trends, regulations, and technologies.
• Advise CFO and ELT on regulatory changes and best practices.
• Adhere to company procedures and standard operating policies.
• Provide holiday cover and support to the CFO as required.

If you are interested please apply or send your CV to [e-mail]