Head of Financial Control

Agora Talent; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Agora Talent is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Financial Controllership to lead a large finance function through a period of change. You will strengthen financial controls, raise capability, and embed accountability across a team of 40–50, with responsibility for multiple cost centres and business units.

The role requires ACA/CIMA/ACCA background, 10+ years post-qualification, and readiness to operate in a high-paced environment from Manchester with some travel to London.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACA preferred; CIMA/ACCA backgrounds considered with relevant experience.
• Ideally 10+ years post-qualified experience.
• Proven Group Financial Controller / Head of Financial Control in a sizeable, complex organisation.
• Strong technical accounting background with detail-orientation.
• IFRS 16 and property accounting experience would be advantageous.
• Retail/consumer or fast-paced multi-site experience beneficial.
• Credible people leader who can improve communication, delegation and accountability.
• Comfortable working from Manchester at least three days per week, with occasional London travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial controllership across business-unit and opex areas.
• Manage 4–5 direct reports and a wider team of circa 40–50.
• Strengthen controls, processes, financial statement integrity and team performance.
• Support a transition following a major systems programme.
• Partner with senior finance leadership and contribute to the longer-term structure of the function.
• Cover property, technology, corporate costs and business-unit finance.

Skills

People leadership

Technical accounting

IFRS 16

Multi-site experience

Education

ACA

CIMA/ACCA

Job description

A major UK consumer-facing business is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Financial Controllership to lead a large finance function through a period of change.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with responsibility for strengthening financial control, raising capability and embedding greater accountability across a team of circa 40–50 people.

The role

• Lead financial controllership across business-unit and opex areas.
• Manage 4–5 direct reports and a wider team of circa 40–50.
• Strengthen controls, processes, financial statement integrity and team performance.
• Support a transition following a major systems programme
• Partner closely with senior finance leadership and contribute to the longer-term structure of the function.
• Cover areas including property, technology, corporate costs and business-unit finance.

About you

• Qualified accountant — ACA preferred, though CIMA/ACCA backgrounds considered with directly relevant experience.
• Ideally 10+ years post-qualified experience.
• Proven Group Financial Controller / Head of Financial Control experience in a sizeable, complex organisation.
• Strong technical accounting background, with the ability to get into detail when needed.
• IFRS 16 and property accounting experience would be highly advantageous.
• Retail, consumer or similarly fast-paced multi-site experience is beneficial.
• A credible people leader who can improve communication, delegation and accountability.
• Comfortable working from Manchester at least three days per week, with occasional London travel.

This role would suit a high-calibre interim finance leader who enjoys building strong teams, improving control environments and making a visible impact.