UK&I Financial Controller: Lead Controls, Close & Audit

A&O Shearman; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A&O Shearman invites applications for a Financial Controller based in our Belfast office. You will lead the UK & I financial control team, manage month‑end closes, balance sheet integrity, and oversee statutory accounts and audits while driving controls and process improvements across locations.

The role requires a fully qualified accountant with strong leadership, governance and stakeholder management skills, and a track record of delivering high‑quality financial reporting in a complex

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) with PQE experience.
• Strong financial control background including month-end close and balance sheet integrity.
• Experience delivering statutory accounts and managing external audits.
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to influence non-finance audiences.
• Proven leadership of high‑performing teams and engagement with cross‑location governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK&I financial control team and set objectives.
• Manage month-end close and balance sheet governance.
• Oversee statutory accounts, audits, and regulatory filings.
• Strengthen internal controls and adherence to policies.
• Partner with CFO and HR/Budget holders on cost and risk management.
• Drive finance transformation and streamline processes across sites.

Skills

Financial control

Month‑end close

Stakeholder management

Leadership

IFRS/UK GAAP

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Tools

ERP systems

Practice management software

Time recording systems

Reporting tools

Job description

A&O Shearman invites applications for a Financial Controller based in our Belfast office. You will lead the UK & I financial control team, manage month‑end closes, balance sheet integrity, and oversee statutory accounts and audits while driving controls and process improvements across locations.

The role requires a fully qualified accountant with strong leadership, governance and stakeholder management skills, and a track record of delivering high‑quality financial reporting in a complex