Financial Controller – 15-Month Maternity Cover | Contract | Central London
“Control your own destiny or someone else will.” Jack Welch.
Sheridan Maine is delighted to be recruiting a Financial Controller for a well-established and growing organisation based in Central London. This is a 15-month maternity cover contract offering the opportunity to take ownership of the day-to-day finance function and play a key role in supporting the organisation through an exciting period of growth.
Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will lead the finance team and oversee financial control, month-end and year-end close, management reporting, cash flow, VAT, payroll and external audit. You will also contribute to improving systems and processes, providing financial insight and supporting wider business decision-making.
Your responsibilities as the Financial Controller will include:
- Lead, develop and mentor the finance team, ensuring clear accountability and high standards.
- Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, supplier payments and staff expenses.
- Own the month-end and year-end close, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
- Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts and maintain the balance sheet, ensuring reconciliations are completed and reviewed.
- Prepare rolling cash flow forecasts and provide insight into cash position and potential risks.
- Manage the fixed asset register and ensure financial controls remain effective.
- Review and submit VAT returns and oversee corporation tax preparation.
- Manage the payroll process, working with the outsourced payroll provider and resolving queries where required.
- Act as the key contact for external auditors and support the preparation of statutory financial statements.
- Lead annual budgeting and regular reforecasting across key areas of the business.
- Provide financial analysis and insight into trading performance, margins, labour and cost control.
- Identify opportunities to improve, automate and standardise finance processes and systems.
- Support the Head of Finance with ad hoc projects and wider strategic initiatives.
To be considered for this Financial Controller position, you will have/be:
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with at least three years' post-qualified experience.
- Experience within a commercially focused finance environment, ideally within hospitality, retail, hotels or restaurants.
- Strong experience of managing month-end and year-end close processes.
- Previous experience managing external audits and statutory reporting.
- Confident presenting financial information and providing constructive challenge to senior stakeholders.
- Experience improving finance processes, strengthening controls and driving efficiencies.
- A hands-on, resilient approach with the ability to balance strategic thinking with operational detail.
What's on Offer?
- A 15-month maternity cover contract with an established and growing organisation.
- A senior finance role with broad responsibility across financial control, reporting and business partnering.
- The opportunity to lead and develop a finance team.
- The opportunity to improve systems, processes and controls while supporting business growth.