Financial Controller

An experienced and dynamic individual is required to take on a leadership role for all the financial operations of a professional services organisation based in Guildford. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the largest part of the finance function, leading a team of approximately 11 individuals across Management Accounting, FP&A, day-to-day financial operations, and Credit Control. This is a stand-out opportunity providing you with an opportunity to work within a highly collaborative organisation.

Financial Controller - Benefits

• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance and permanent health insurance
• Critical illness insurance, buy/sell holiday scheme, dental insurance
• Cycle to work schemes, gym memberships, and profit related bonus
• Cash back scheme
• Travel allowance or car parking reimbursement
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay (after sufficient service)

Financial Controller - About The Role

This leadership role will focus on managing the financial strategy, ensuring strong financial controls and efficient accounting processes, while supporting the delivery of the firm’s budgets and targets. The role will also contribute to business analysis, continuous improvement, and strategic commercial decisions, playing a key part in driving profitability and growth. The position reports to the COO/Head of Finance, with the potential for progression into the Head of Finance role over time.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership:

• Oversee the day-to-day finance function, managing a team with a focus on performance and collaboration.
• Mentor and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Suggest enhancements to team structures and roles to align with the evolving needs of the business.

Financial Management:

• Lead general ledger activities, ensuring deadlines, quality standards, and regulatory requirements are met.
• Oversee billing, collections, and cashflow forecasting, ensuring efficient and accurate reporting.
• Manage relationships with banking providers and oversee banking and loan facilities.
• Review and sign off on invoices, expenses, and bank payments.

External Audit & Tax Oversight:

• Coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors, preparing annual accounts and tax submissions.
• Oversee VAT submissions, PSA submissions, and individual partner tax returns.

Risk & Compliance:

• Hold the Compliance Officer for Finance & Administration (COFA) position, ensuring an appropriate approach to risk management.
• Manage financial inputs into SRA audits.

Partnership Financials:

• Manage the firm’s partner-related financial operations, including capital loans, profit distributions, and tax payments.
• Support the production of reports for partner performance and remuneration.

Financial Systems & Process Management:

• Manage the Elite 3E Practice Management System and external financial management suppliers.
• Continuously review, improve, and develop financial processes and operations to optimize services to the business.

The successful Financial Controller will have/be:

• Fully qualified in ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or equivalent
• Proven leadership experience in managing finance teams and building high performance teams
• Ideally, experience working in a law firm or professional services
• Ability to take a hands-on role when necessary, as part of a small but efficient team
• Strong senior leadership skills with the ability to instil confidence across all levels of the business

Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role and comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics. Due to the high volume of applications we currently receive, we are unable to respond to all candidates. If you do not hear from a Consultant within 5 working days, please assume that you have not been successful.

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