In-House Financial Controller — Hybrid, Autonomy & Growth

Howett Thorpe; Sutton Green; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' holiday plus bank holidays +

Private medical insurance

Company bonus scheme

Pension scheme

Hybrid working with 3 days in the офис

Car parking

Full-time position 09:00–17:30

Work-life balance

Job summary

Howett Thorpe is seeking a Financial Controller to bring the finance function in-house and drive day‑to‑day financial operations. You will support the CEO, combining hands-on accounting with process improvement and robust reporting to give Directors clear visibility of business performance.

The role operates in a growing SME environment with autonomy, variety, and the opportunity to shape the finance function as the business expands. Hybrid working is available with 3 days in the office.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience as Finance Manager, Financial Controller or Senior Bookkeeper within a UK SME.
• Strong working knowledge of Xero: ledgers, reconciliations, invoicing, reporting and VAT.
• Experience preparing management accounts and cash flow forecasts with balance-sheet understanding.
• Practical experience of UK payroll software, PAYE, National Insurance and pension auto-enrolment.
• Demonstrable credit control experience and solid Excel skills.
• Ability to communicate confidently with Directors, customers and suppliers.
• Organised and proactive, able to work independently and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of Xero ledgers, reconciliations and balance sheet records.
• Prepare monthly management accounts including P&L, balance sheet and cash flow reporting.
• Support annual budgets and forecasts; highlight financial risks and cash requirements.
• Manage project invoicing, purchase orders and milestones.
• Oversee credit control and improve collections with Directors.
• Process supplier invoices, weekly payment runs, staff expenses and card transactions.
• Manage monthly payroll, PAYE, RTI submissions and pension contributions.
• Prepare quarterly VAT returns under Making Tax Digital.
• Prepare year-end schedules and assist external accountants with statutory accounts and CT.
• Establish clear financial controls and documented procedures for holidays and absence.

Skills

Xero expertise

Cash flow forecasting

Management accounts

UK payroll

Credit control

Excel

Stakeholder comms

Independent work

Tools

Xero

Payroll software

Job description

Howett Thorpe is seeking a Financial Controller to bring the finance function in-house and drive day‑to‑day financial operations. You will support the CEO, combining hands-on accounting with process improvement and robust reporting to give Directors clear visibility of business performance.

The role operates in a growing SME environment with autonomy, variety, and the opportunity to shape the finance function as the business expands. Hybrid working is available with 3 days in the office.