Interim Finance Controller

Complii; Gawcott; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday per year

Birthday off

Company pension

40 hours per week in office

Job summary

Abbot Fire Group, part of Complii, seeks an experienced Interim Finance Controller for a 12‑month fixed term contract in Gawcott, Buckingham. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will oversee day‑to‑day financial management, ensure strong controls, and deliver insightful reporting in a SME environment.

The role requires qualified accounting credentials or equivalent experience, with hands‑on leadership, VAT/payroll compliance, and drive for improvements across finance processes.

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or QBE with finance controller experience.
• Strong month-end close, management accounts and cash flow forecasting skills.
• UK statutory reporting, VAT, payroll compliance and SME audit experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly close, management accounts, cash flow, and KPI reporting.
• Ensure VAT, payroll, PAYE, pensions, corporation tax reporting, and Companies House compliance.
• Strengthen controls, improve processes and provide management information.
• Oversee payroll, liaise with external auditors, and mentor finance staff.

Skills

Month-end close

Financial reporting

Cash flow management

People leadership

Sage Intacct

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or QBE

Tools

Sage Intacct

Sage 50

Job description

Abbot Fire Group is seeking an experienced Interim Finance Controller - 12 months fixed term contract to join our leadership team based in Gawcott, Buckingham. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a key interim appointment responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial management of the business, ensuring strong financial controls, compliance, accurate reporting, and providing commercial insight to support decision-making across the organisation.

Operating within a successful fire protection services business with an annual turnover of approximately £3 million, this role would suit a qualified accountant or experienced finance professional who thrives in an SME environment and enjoys taking a hands‑on approach while mentoring and supporting colleagues.

Your experience and accounting expertise will be fully utilised so if you’re a self-starter, happy to 'hit the ground running' we’d like to hear from you.

What you receive for joining us:

We offer a competitive salary dependent on experience together with the opportunity to play a pivotal role within a growing business. You'll work closely with the Managing Director and senior leadership team, helping to drive financial performance, business improvement initiatives, and strategic decision-making. We offer 25 days holiday per annum + Bank Holidays, your Birthday off, a company pension, working 40 hours per week in a friendly supportive office environment.

Here’s a look at some of the things you’ll be doing:

• Lead the monthly close process, prepare management accounts, monitor cash flow and working capital, and provide insightful financial reporting, analysis and KPIs to support business performance
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements including VAT, payroll, PAYE, pensions, corporation tax reporting, Companies House obligations and year-end audit preparation
• Strengthen financial controls, improve finance processes and systems, develop meaningful management information, and provide commercial insight to support operational and strategic decision-making
• Oversee payroll activities, manage relationships with external auditors and advisors, and provide leadership, coaching and mentoring to finance and administrative staff

Can you show experience in some of these areas?

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or Qualified by Experience, with previous experience as a Finance Controller, Financial Controller, Finance Manager or similar senior finance professional
• Strong experience of month-end close, management accounts production, financial analysis, cash flow management, budgeting and forecasting
• Excellent knowledge of UK statutory reporting, VAT, payroll compliance, audit processes and financial controls within an SME environment
• Experience of mentoring and developing staff, with knowledge of Sage Intacct, Sage 50 or similar accounting systems advantageous; experience within construction, engineering, service or fire protection sectors would be beneficial

Introducing our organisation:

Abbot Fire Group is proud to be part of Complii. Complii is a leading integrated provider of safety and regulatory compliance services across our water, air, fire, electrical and vertical transportation divisions, supporting organisations nationwide to operate safely, compliantly and responsibly