Head of Financial Control

Agora Talent; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 148,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

Agora Talent is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Financial Controllership to lead a large UK finance function through a period of change. The role is hands-on and senior, with responsibility for strengthening financial control across business units and opex areas, and embedding greater accountability within a team of about 40–50 people.

Based from the northwest of England with three days per week on-site, there is occasional travel to London as needed.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with senior-level experience in financial controllership.
• ACA/CA preferred; CIMA/ACCA backgrounds considered with relevant hands-on experience.
• 10+ years post-qualification experience in large, complex organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial controllership across business units and opex areas.
• Manage 4–5 direct reports and a broader team of 40–50.
• Strengthen controls, processes and reporting integrity.
• Support a major systems programme transition and drive accountability.

Skills

Qualified accountant

ACA

CIMA/ACCA

People leadership

IFRS 16

Education

ACA / ACCA / CIMA

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 NW England 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.