Financial Controller

We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to take responsibility for the financial management and reporting of our growing business.

As a supply and installation contractor of air conditioning systems in the UK, the business currently has ambitious growth plans. We need an individual with substantial experience in a Financial Controller role who can provide strong financial oversight, accurate and timely reporting, effective cash management and the financial discipline required to support this growth.

The successful candidate will be comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands‑on level. They will ensure the day‑to‑day finance function operates effectively while proactively identifying financial risks, improving processes and providing meaningful commercial insight to support management decisions. This role includes management of multiple book keepers and collaboration with our external accountancy firm.

Experience within a project‑based, engineering, construction, building services or maintenance business would be a significant advantage, particularly where profitability, job costing, work in progress, contract variations and cash flow require close management.

This is an important role within the senior management structure, offering the opportunity to shape the finance function as the business continues to develop.

Key Responsibilities

• Departmental Leadership: Take full accountability for the finance team structure and performance, recruiting, mentoring and upskilling staff to meet our growth objectives. By establishing clear KPIs and modernising workflows, you will ensure operational excellence across bookkeeping, credit control, and payroll.
• Financial Reporting: Take full ownership of the month‑end process, producing accurate management accounts, including P&L, balance sheets, and cash flow analysis with detailed variance reporting providing the Board with high‑level commercial insights rather than just data.
• Project Accounting: Manage the financial complexities of a project‑based business, including Work in Progress (WIP), accruals, and CIS compliance.
• Commercial Strategy: Partner with the leadership team to evaluate margins, contribute to supplier negotiations, and oversee the financial viability of installation projects and maintenance contracts.
• Systems & Process Innovation: Continuously review and improve financial systems and internal controls to support our scaling operations.
• Statutory Compliance: Manage all VAT returns, CIS returns etc, and act as the primary point of contact for any external accountants.

Your Profile

• Qualified Professional: AAT, ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification is essential.
• Proven Leader: You aren't just a manager; you are a leader. You have experience in hiring and developing staff, with a track record of building cohesive, efficient teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Industry Experience: A minimum of 5 years in a senior finance role, ideally within the Construction, Fit Out or Contracting sectors.
• Technical Mastery: Proven expertise in project‑based accounting (WIP) and advanced Excel use.
• Ambitious Mindset: You are a driven individual who is prepared to "roll up your sleeves" in the daily operations while maintaining a strategic view of company growth.
• Communication: The ability to translate complex financial metrics into clear, actionable advice for non‑finance stakeholders.

Desirable Experience

• Strong knowledge of project accounting, job costing, work in progress, contract profitability and cost‑to‑complete forecasting.
• Experience managing variations, additional works, subcontractor costs and customer billing cycles.
• Experience supporting a business through a significant period of growth.
• Experience upgrading finance systems, introducing stronger reporting or developing scalable financial processes.
• Experience working directly with Managing Directors, owners or a board.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially minded, with a strong understanding of how financial decisions affect business performance.
• Highly organised, methodical and detail‑oriented.
• Proactive in identifying problems and taking ownership of solutions.
• Confident in challenging decisions and holding colleagues accountable for financial discipline.
• Practical and hands‑on, willing to get involved in day‑to‑day finance as well as higher‑level planning.
• Able to balance accuracy and control with the pace and flexibility of a growing business.
• A clear communicator who can build trusted relationships across the organisation.
• Resilient, dependable and comfortable working in a changing environment.

Measures of Success

The successful candidate will be expected to deliver measurable improvements in:

• Accuracy and timeliness of monthly management accounts and financial reporting.
• Cash flow visibility, debtor collection and working capital management.
• Project‑level cost control, margin visibility and profitability forecasting.
• Financial controls, reporting quality and compliance.
• The quality of commercial information available to management.

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