Strategic Group Finance Controller – Growth & Forecasting

First Blue Healthcare; Stafford (VA); On-site; USD 72,289 - 88,353; Full time

Job summary

First Blue Healthcare in Stafford is seeking a dynamic and hands‑on Group Financial Controller to lead day‑to‑day financial operations of the Group, support robust financial decision‑making and ensure compliance across the organisation. The role will partner with the Finance Director and SMT to deliver strategic financial insight and drive improvements in financial systems and processes.

The position involves managing a small finance team, delivering monthly management accounts, and developing

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with at least 3 years post qualification experience, and a good understanding of Group accounting.
• 'Can do' attitude; someone who is open to change and finding ways of improving processes, controls, and operational practices within the business.
• Someone who can understand operational requirements and translate them into financial metrics / targets / forecasts and help non‑financial staff within the business manage the financial implications of decisions.
• Good working knowledge of UK GAAP / FRS 102.
• Good working knowledge of accounting platforms (Sage preferred).
• Good/advanced Excel skills, leverage excel to improve/streamline finance functions and help team members improve their efficiency by leveraging excel better.
• Good financial modelling and forecasting/planning skills are highly desirable, the ability to build integrated bottom up 3 statement (P&L, BS and CF) models.
• Travel within the UK will be required at times.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work to tight deadlines is a must.
• Data driven and logical approach to solving issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Finance Team to deliver accurate and timely financial information across the organisation.
• Provide day‑to‑day oversight of all financial operations including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and month‑end processes.
• Support the Finance Director with year‑end statutory accounts, external audit, and regulatory compliance.
• Act as a key finance business partner to the SMT, supporting financial planning and forecasting.
• Translate financial data into actionable insight for operational and strategic decision‑making.
• Ensure that company rolling forecasts are robust and tracked effectively throughout the year.
• Lead on monthly management accounts and variance analysis.
• Develop and maintain robust cash flow forecasting.
• Contribute to the development of the monthly forecast process.
• Maintain a strong internal control environment, ensuring processes are efficient and compliant.
• Ensure adherence to financial policies and procedures, with ongoing review and improvement.
• Oversee compliance with HMRC, pension, and statutory requirements.
• Improve and streamline financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Lead the preparation of financial reports for internal stakeholders, including the Board.
• Champion the use of financial systems and digital tools across the finance function.
• Line manage a small finance team, providing clear direction, support, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the team.

Skills

Excel skills

Financial modelling

Forecasting

Stakeholder communication

Attention to detail

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)

Tools

Sage

Job description

First Blue Healthcare in Stafford is seeking a dynamic and hands‑on Group Financial Controller to lead day‑to‑day financial operations of the Group, support robust financial decision‑making and ensure compliance across the organisation. The role will partner with the Finance Director and SMT to deliver strategic financial insight and drive improvements in financial systems and processes.

The position involves managing a small finance team, delivering monthly management accounts, and developing