Group Financial Controller

Meridian Business Support Ltd; West of England; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Meridian Business Support Ltd is seeking a commercially minded Group Financial Controller to take ownership of financial control, reporting and performance across a growing international business. The role is senior, hands-on and involves leading the finance function across UK and US entities with a focus on profitability and growth.

Reporting to the CFO, you will drive monthly and annual close, budgets, forecasts and performance reviews, while working with senior leaders to identify

Qualifications

• Senior finance leader with strong technical accounting knowledge and commercial acumen.
• Experience leading finance across multiple entities or international operations.
• Proven ability to analyse performance and drive profitability.

Responsibilities

• Lead group month-end and year-end close, management accounts and statutory reporting.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, variance analysis and performance reviews.
• Provide insights and recommendations to CFO, Board and senior leadership.
• Support EBITDA growth through improved profitability and cost control.
• Collaborate with commercial and operational teams on pricing and product profitability.
• Oversee cash flow forecasting, working capital, credit control and liquidity.
• Improve financial reporting systems, processes and automation.
• Maintain governance, audit readiness and statutory compliance.
• Develop and support the finance team with a culture of accountability.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial awareness

Financial reporting

Forecasting

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Education

ACA/ ACCA/ CIMA or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Job description

Are you a commercially minded Group Financial Controller who wants to make a real difference to business performance and future growth?

We’re looking for an experienced, Group Financial Controller to take ownership of financial control, reporting and performance across a growing international business. This is a senior, hands-on role offering the opportunity to influence business decisions, improve profitability and support ambitious growth plans.

The business is focused on growing EBITDA, improving margins and delivering further growth. They are looking for someone who can go beyond traditional financial control and get involved in the wider commercial side of the business, working closely with senior leaders to identify opportunities, challenge decisions and drive performance.

Reporting to the CFO, you’ll lead the finance function across UK and US entities, ensuring strong financial controls, accurate reporting and clear commercial insight to support business growth. Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the group month-end and year-end financial close, management accounts and statutory reporting.
• Managing budgets, forecasts, variance analysis and financial performance reviews.
• Providing meaningful financial information and recommendations to the CFO, Board and senior leadership team.
• Supporting EBITDA growth through improved profitability, margin analysis and cost control.
• Working with commercial and operational teams on pricing, customer and product profitability, purchasing agreements and investment decisions.
• Managing cash flow forecasting, working capital, credit control and liquidity.
• Improving financial reporting, systems, processes and automation.
• Maintaining strong financial controls, governance, audit readiness and statutory compliance.
• Leading, developing and supporting the finance team, creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Identifying commercial opportunities and helping turn business strategy into measurable results.

About You

You’ll be an experienced finance leader who combines strong technical accounting knowledge with commercial awareness and the confidence to influence business decisions.

You’ll ideally have:

• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or equivalent working experience
• Experience in a Financial Controller, Group Financial Controller, Finance Director or similar senior finance role.
• Experience managing finances across multiple entities or an internationally operating business.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and working capital.
• A proven ability to analyse financial performance, identify opportunities and support improvements in profitability.
• Excellent commercial judgement, with an interest in pricing, margins, investment and wider business performance.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience developing teams and working with senior stakeholders.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong ERP and financial reporting capabilities.

Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and within manufacturing, distribution, e-commerce or another inventory-intensive environment would be advantageous.