Job Title: Financial Controller
Location: Preston (Hybrid)
Reports to: Finance Director
Sector: Professional Services
Salary: £60,000-£70,000
Overview
Sowena Group is proud to be partnering exclusively with a leading professional services business to appoint a Financial Controller. This is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified accountant to join a growing, values-driven organisation known for its collaborative culture and commitment to excellence.
About the Role
The Financial Controller will lead the management accounts and accounts payable functions, ensuring strong financial control, high quality reporting, and meaningful insights to support strategic decision making. This is a hands on role, working alongside an exceptional Finance Director and offering exposure to senior leadership along with the opportunity to drive continuous improvement within the finance team, while putting your own stamp on the role.
Key Responsibilities
* Produce timely monthly management accounts, including key financial statements such as profit & loss, balance sheet, and cash flow
* Lead and develop a small team responsible for management accounts and AP
* Monitor performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying variances and translating data into clear, actionable insights
* Take responsibility for the preparation of rolling forecasts and annual budgets, working closely with the Finance Director and senior leadership team
* Assist the Finance Director in compiling financial information for monthly and quarterly Board reporting
* Strengthen and maintain effective financial controls, processes, and procedures
* Oversee statutory compliance and act as the primary liaison for external auditors and advisors
* Managing the annual audit
* Review payroll on a monthly basis to ensure accuracy and timely processing
* Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders to support a collaborative and high-performing finance function
* Maintain up to date knowledge of accounting standards and regulatory requirements
* Support wider business initiatives and contribute to ad hoc financial projects as needed
Person Specification
Essential
* Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
* Proven experience in a hands-on finance role with operational and analytical responsibilities
* Strong understanding of UK accounting standards, tax, payroll, VAT, PAYE, and statutory reporting
* Experience managing or developing a team
* Excellent communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
* High attention to detail and strong problem-solving ability
Desirable
* Background in the professional services sector
£60,000-£70,000
beth@sowenagroup.co.uk