Financial Controller

Financial ControllerCentral London | Hybrid (2 days per week) | £90,000–£100,000 + equity & benefitsThe OpportunityA rapidly evolving, private equity-backed SME is looking to appoint a highly hands-on Financial Controller to take ownership of the day-to-day finance function and play a key role in the next stage of the company's growth.The business was acquired by a leading private equity investor approximately two years ago, at which point the finance function underwent a significant rebuild. The function has since developed considerably, but there remains an opportunity for an experienced finance leader to bring further structure, strengthen controls, improve reporting and embed more efficient processes.Reporting into the senior finance leadership team, you will take genuine ownership of the finance operation, allowing the CFO to step back from the day-to-day detail and focus more heavily on strategy, investors and the wider business.This is a role for someone who enjoys being close to the detail, leading from the front and making tangible improvements to how a finance function operates.Key ResponsibilitiesTake full ownership of the day-to-day finance function, ensuring the team operates effectively, accurately and independently.Lead, manage and develop a multi-disciplinary finance team, providing structure, direction and clear accountability.Own and improve the month-end close and management reporting process, driving greater accuracy, consistency and timeliness.Review and strengthen existing financial controls, processes and systems, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce risk.Lead ongoing finance transformation and process improvement initiatives, moving the function from a reactive to a more structured and scalable operating model.Improve the quality of management information provided to senior leadership and investors.Establish robust processes, controls and reporting disciplines across the finance function.Take ownership of cash forecasting, cash planning and working capital management, with a particular focus on improving visibility over longer-term cash conversion.Work closely with the CFO and wider leadership team to provide accurate and commercially relevant financial insight.Support the business through continued growth and change, ensuring the finance function scales effectively alongside it.Identify capability gaps within the existing team and coach, develop and up skill team members where appropriate.Work closely with external advisers and outsourced providers where required, including areas such as VAT and payroll.Act as a key finance partner to the wider business, bringing greater financial discipline and ownership to operational decision-making.About YouThe successful candidate is likely to be a qualified accountant with significant experience operating within a private equity-backed or similarly high-change environment.You will be a hands-on finance leader who is comfortable moving between strategic priorities and the detail required to ensure the finance function operates effectively.You'll ideally bring:Proven experience within a PE-backed business, ideally one that has undergone significant change, investment or transformation.A strong track record of taking ownership of and improving finance functions.Demonstrable experience transforming or upgrading finance processes, controls and reporting.Strong technical understanding of financial reporting, month-end and management accounts.Experience improving the speed, accuracy and quality of financial reporting.Previous experience leading, developing and restructuring finance teams.Strong cash forecasting, cash planning and working capital experience.The confidence and credibility to operate with senior stakeholders, including CFOs, CEOs and private equity investors.A highly hands-on approach with the ability to get into the detail when required.The ability to bring structure and stability to a finance function that has experienced change or capability gaps.Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.A genuine interest in continuous improvement and finance transformation.What You'll Be JoiningA PE-backed SME with significant opportunity to continue developing and professionalising the finance function.A senior position with genuine ownership and visibility across the business.The opportunity to make a tangible impact on finance operations, reporting, controls and processes.A business where finance is increasingly important to supporting growth and investor objectives.A senior finance team that values someone who can take ownership and operate with autonomy.Financial ControllerCentral London | Hybrid (2 days per week) | £90,000–£100,000 + equity & benefits