Financial Controller

Take Ownership. Lead. Make an Impact. Karntek is looking for a proactive, organised and commercially minded Financial Controller to lead its finance function and support the continued growth of its fire safety consultancy business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of accurate financial reporting, robust financial controls, cash management, budgeting and forecasting. You will provide clear commercial insight, challenge financial performance and support informed business decisions. This is a hands-on role combining management and development of the Accounts Assistant with responsibility for day-to-day finance operations, monthly management accounts, financial planning and continuous improvement. You will have the autonomy to improve processes and systems within agreed authority limits. Responsibilities Management Accounts and Financial Reporting

• Own the month-end close, including journals, accruals, prepayments and balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring accurate and complete financial records in Xero.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, including profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow reporting and supporting schedules, within agreed deadlines.
• Provide clear commentary on performance against budget and forecast, explaining significant variances, financial risks and recommended actions to the Managing Director and management team. Budgeting Forecasting and Cash Management
• Lead the annual budgeting process and maintain rolling financial forecasts, working with departmental managers to challenge assumptions, monitor expenditure and support delivery of the business plan.
• Prepare and maintain a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast and longer-term cash projections, identifying potential funding gaps and recommending timely action to manage working capital and meet financial commitments. Commercial Performance and Decision Support
• Analyse profitability by service, project and customer, working with operational managers to assess surveyor utilisation, subcontractor costs, pricing and margin performance. Recommend practical actions to improve profitability.
• Provide proactive financial advice to the Managing Director and management team, challenging expenditure and performance assumptions and supporting decisions on pricing, recruitment, investment and business growth. Financial Operations and Revenue Accounting
• Take overall responsibility for day-to-day finance operations, overseeing purchase and sales ledgers, invoicing, supplier payments, expenses and accounts receivable.
• Ensure bank, credit card, supplier and other financial account reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.
• Own the accounting treatment and reconciliation of work in progress, accrued income, deferred income and project costs, supported by reliable operational evidence and recorded in the appropriate accounting periods.
• Lead credit control and debt recovery with the Accounts Assistant, monitoring aged debt and payment trends, resolving disputes with colleagues and customers, and reporting collection actions and risks to the Managing Director. Financial Controls Year End and Compliance
• Design, implement and regularly review controls covering purchasing, supplier setup and bank-detail changes, payments, expenses, reconciliations and delegated authority. Ensure appropriate approval and separation of duties within the finance team.
• Manage VAT returns and maintain effective processes to support accurate and timely submissions and payments.
• Lead year-end preparation and act as the main contact for external accountants, providing complete supporting schedules and resolving queries promptly. Coordinate audit requirements where applicable.
• Maintain a calendar of tax, statutory reporting and filing obligations, coordinating with external advisers and ensuring liabilities are accurately recorded, forecast and funded, and submissions and payments are completed on time. Systems and Process Improvement
• Own financial data integrity and reconciliations between Salesforce, operational systems and Xero. Work with colleagues and implementation partners to ensure the transition from BigChange supports accurate invoicing, accounting and reporting.
• Identify and implement improvements to finance processes, reporting and systems, reducing errors and unnecessary manual work while maintaining effective controls. Leadership and Stakeholder Management
• Manage, support and develop the Accounts Assistant through clear objectives, guidance, training and regular feedback.
• Allocate and review finance activities, transactions and reconciliations, ensuring accuracy, accountability and delivery against agreed deadlines. Provide hands-on cover and support when required.
• Work closely with colleagues across the business to obtain timely financial information and explain financial matters clearly to non-finance managers.
• Maintain effective relationships with external accountants, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders, and oversee prompt resolution of queries received through the accounts inbox.
• Lead finance-related projects and support additional activities appropriate to the role as the business develops. You will be a dependable, commercially aware finance professional who combines excellent attention to detail with the confidence to lead a small finance function. You will be comfortable working independently, challenging assumptions constructively and bringing recommendations to the Managing Director and SLT team. You will enjoy developing people and processes and be willing to undertake hands-on finance work when needed. Essential Skills & Experience
• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, or qualified by experience with a demonstrable record of operating successfully at Financial Controller level.
• Proven experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or similar role with ownership of the month-end close, complete management accounts and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Demonstrable experience leading annual budgets, rolling financial forecasts and short- and longer-term cash flow planning.
• Experience analysing service, project or customer profitability and translating findings into practical business improvements.
• Proven ability to implement financial controls, lead year-end preparation and manage relationships with external accountants.
• Strong hands-on Xero and Microsoft Excel skills, with sound knowledge of accounting principles, VAT, revenue accounting and financial reporting.
• Experience overseeing ledgers, invoicing, payments, aged debt and credit control, including proactive action to improve cash collection.
• Previous experience supervising, managing or mentoring finance staff, with the ability to delegate effectively and review work accurately.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to meet competing deadlines. Clear communication and the confidence to challenge assumptions and influence non- finance managers. Desirable Skills & Experience
• Experience improving financial systems and management reporting, including Salesforce or integrations between operational and accounting systems.
• Competitive salary package, tailored to experience.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Company pension and discretionary bonus scheme.
• Employee recognition programmes, including Employee of the Month.
• Genuine career development and progression opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Exclusive employee shopping discounts and savings.
• Supportive, collaborative team culture.
• A commitment to paying at least the National Living Wage. Equal Opportunities Karntek is proud to be an Equal Opportunities and Accredited National Living Wage Employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.