Title: Accountant/Group Financial Controller Type: Permanent Hours: Full Time Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 (depending on experience/qualifications) Details: Role Overview: The Accountant/Group Financial Controller will lead the financial management and reporting function, overseeing day-to-day accounting, statutory compliance, and strategic financial planning. The role includes managing a small team and delivering a transformation of accounting systems toward a more digital, efficient, and integrated operation. Key Responsibilities Financial Management & Reporting Oversee all financial operations, including bookkeeping, ledgers, management accounts, financial statements, and cashflow forecasting. Produce accurate monthly/quarterly management accounts and annual budgets across multiple enterprises. Provide full financial management, accounting, and reporting for the subsidiary consulting companies, ensuring compliance with statutory and internal requirements. Lead annual audits and liaise with external accountants, auditors, banks, and legal advisers as necessary. Develop financial models to support strategy, capital projects, diversification, and long-term planning. Digital Transformation & Systems Development Lead the review, selection, and implementation of modern digital accounting tools and cloud-based systems. Streamline processes including invoicing, payroll, expense management, and enterprise-level record-keeping. Train team members and staff in new digital workflows to ensure long-term capability and adoption. Tax, Compliance & Estate Structures Manage tax compliance across entities including trusts, partnerships, limited companies, and personal tax. Prepare and submit VAT returns, including handling VAT considerations. Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements, Companies House filings, and trust reporting obligations. Team Leadership & Collaboration Manage, mentor, and support a small accounting/admin team to ensure strong performance, professional development, and efficient workflow. Work closely with managers and external advisers to deliver integrated financial support. Contribute to decision making by providing clear financial insights and recommendations. Operational & Commercial Support Monitor performance indicators for different enterprises and advise on efficiencies, risks, and opportunities. Skills & Experience Required Professional accountancy qualification (ACCA, CA, CIMA, or equivalent) or substantial equivalent experience. Strong experience in a similar level accounts role. Demonstrated ability to modernise financial systems, with experience in digital/cloud accounting platforms. Knowledge of trusts, limited companies, partnerships, VAT, and personal tax. Proficiency in management accounting, forecasting, and handling multi-enterprise financial structures, including subsidiary entities. Strong communication skills, including confidence working with owners, managers, contractors, and professional advisers. Experience leading and developing a small team. Personal Qualities Proactive, solutions-focused, and capable of driving financial transformation. Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational accounting. Discreet, reliable, and able to handle confidential financial information. Practical, adaptable, and comfortable working in a rural environment.