Group financial controller

Group Financial Controller Location: Milton Keynes (minimum 4 days per week in the office) Salary: Competitive Benefits Pareto FM is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Group Financial Controller to lead the financial control, reporting, governance and finance transformation agenda across the Group. This is a critical leadership role with responsibility for the financial control framework across Pareto FM and its subsidiary operations. Reporting into the CFO, you'll oversee the core finance engine, ensuring strong governance, accurate reporting, robust controls and a continuous improvement mindset across the finance function. We're looking for a technically strong finance leader who combines operational grip with a passion for process improvement, team development and modern ways of working, including leveraging AI and technology to drive efficiency and insight. What you'll be doing You'll take ownership of the Group's financial control and reporting function, including: Leading the financial control function across Pareto FM and subsidiary entities Overseeing all transactional finance activities, ensuring strong controls and performance across Order-to-Cash (OTC) and Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes Managing the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely reporting Preparing and reviewing monthly management accounts and financial reporting Owning group consolidations, including intercompany accounting and eliminations Leading the production of statutory accounts and managing the external audit process Taking responsibility for VAT, CIS and Treasury compliance and governance Ensuring strong balance sheet control, reconciliations and financial discipline Implementing and maintaining finance policies, controls and standard operating procedures Identifying opportunities to improve processes, controls and systems across the finance function Leading finance transformation initiatives, including process redesign, automation and system improvements Supporting strategic decision-making alongside the CFO and wider leadership team Developing and mentoring the finance team, driving accountability, capability and performance Supporting integration and standardisation across Pareto FM and subsidiary businesses What we're looking for Essential Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) Minimum 8 years post-qualified experience (PQE) Previous experience as a Financial Controller, including at least: Two prior Financial Controller roles, or A minimum of five years operating at Financial Controller level Strong technical accounting expertise, including: Statutory reporting Group consolidations Audit management Intercompany accounting Experience managing month-end and year-end processes within a multi-entity environment Strong knowledge of VAT, CIS, Treasury and financial controls Proven track record of improving finance processes, controls and team performance Previous people management experience, including developing and leading finance teams Strong Excel and finance systems capability Ability to commute to Milton Keynes and work from the office a minimum of four days per week Desirable Background within a B2B services environment such as Facilities Management, Engineering Services, Property Services or Contract-led businesses Experience supporting acquisitions, integrations or business transformation projects Experience working within a group structure or shared service environment Experience using Sage Intacct Experience designing or improving finance operating models and control frameworks Technology & Innovation We're looking for someone who embraces modern finance practices and has an understanding of, or genuine interest in, AI-supported ways of working. You'll be comfortable exploring how automation, AI and technology can improve reporting quality, efficiency, controls and decision-making across the finance function. Leadership Style You'll be: A credible and confident finance leader Technically strong with excellent attention to detail Organised and calm under pressure Commercially aware and pragmatic Improvement-focused and willing to challenge legacy processes Adaptable and resilient in a changing environment Committed to high standards of control, accuracy and accountability Why Join Pareto FM? This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future finance function of a growing business. You'll have the autonomy to drive meaningful change, influence strategic decision-making, develop a talented team and help build a finance operation that is scalable, efficient and fit for the future. If you're an experienced Financial Controller looking for a broad, high-impact leadership role where you can combine technical excellence with transformation and team development, we'd love to hear from you.