Group Financial Controller

Firstblue Healthcare Ltd; Stafford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Firstblue Healthcare Ltd is seeking a dynamic Financial Controller to lead the group’s day-to-day financial operations, ensuring timely, accurate reporting and robust controls across the organisation. You will work closely with the Finance Director and SMT to deliver strategic financial insight and support growth within a high-growth SME in the care sector.

The role includes managing a small finance team, overseeing accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and month-end processes, and driving

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with at least 3 years post qualification experience.
• Ability to translate financial data into actionable insights.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience with UK GAAP / FRS 102 and Sage.
• Travel within the UK as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day financial operations of the Group.
• Oversee accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and month-end processes.
• Support year-end statutory accounts, external audit, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop rolling forecasts and cash flow models.
• Partner with SMT and Finance Director to drive strategic financial planning.
• Maintain internal controls and continuous improvement.

Skills

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Team leadership

UK GAAP knowledge

Data-driven decision making

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Tools

Sage

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Exciting opportunity to join a high growth SME operating in the Care Sector.

We are a fast-growing business and this role will play an integral part in that growth journey. We are looking for a dynamic individual who is well organised and able to work across multiple companies ensuring financial information is timely, accurate and reliable.

The rapid growth of the business presents an excellent opportunity for career development and knowledge growth, including M&A exposure, raising external finance and long term forecasting.

Role

We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Financial Controller to lead the day-to-day financial operations of the Group, supporting robust financial decision-making and ensuring compliance across the organisation. This role is essential in supporting Group finance functions, managing a small finance team, and ensuring high standards in reporting, forecasting, and controls.

The Financial Controller will work closely with the Finance Director and other members of the SMT to provide strategic financial insight, maintain operational excellence, and drive improvements in financial systems and processes.

Main Duties and Strategic Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Finance Team to deliver accurate and timely financial information across the organisation.
• Provide day-to-day oversight of all financial operations including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and month-end processes.
• Support the Finance Director with year-end statutory accounts, external audit, and regulatory compliance.
• SMT Support & Strategic Business Partnering
  • Act as a key finance business partner to the SMT, supporting financial planning and forecasting.
  • Translate financial data into actionable insight for operational and strategic decision-making.
  • Ensure that company rolling forecasts are robust and tracked effectively throughout the year.
• Financial Planning and Analysis
  • Lead on monthly management accounts and variance analysis.
  • Develop and maintain robust cash flow forecasting.
  • Contribute to the development of the monthly forecast process.
• Control and Compliance
  • Maintain a strong internal control environment, ensuring processes are efficient and compliant.
  • Ensure adherence to financial policies and procedures, with ongoing review and improvement.
  • Oversee compliance with HMRC, pension, and statutory requirements.
• Systems, Reporting, and Process Improvement
  • Improve and streamline financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
  • Lead the preparation of financial reports for internal stakeholders, including the Board.
  • Champion the use of financial systems and digital tools across the finance function.
• Team Management and Development
  • Line manage a small finance team, providing clear direction, support, and performance management.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the team.

Who We're Looking For

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with at least 3 years post qualification experience, and a good understanding of Group accounting.
• ‘Can do’ attitude; someone who is open to change and finding ways of improving processes, controls, and operational practices within the business.
• Someone who can understand operational requirements and translate them into financial metrics / targets / forecasts and help non-financial staff within the business manage the financial implications of decisions.
• Good working knowledge of UK GAAP / FRS 102.
• Good working knowledge of accounting platforms (Sage preferred).
• Good/advanced Excel skills, leverage excel to improve/streamline finance functions and help team members improve their efficiency by leveraging excel better.
• Good financial modelling and forecasting/planning skills are highly desirable, the ability to build integrated bottom up 3 statement (P&L, BS and CF) models.
• Travel within the UK will be required at times.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work to tight deadlines is a must.
• Data driven and logical approach to solving issues.

Values and Commitment

• High level of integrity
• Commitment to excellence
• Team player
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills