Job Description Job Specification: Financial Controller Role Title Financial Controller Reports to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) / Finance Director Location London / hybrid Role Overview We are seeking a highly capable and commercially aware Financial Controller to lead the finance function in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical accounting expertise, proven experience managing external audits with Big Four firms, and the adaptability required to operate effectively in a start-up or scale-up setting. This role requires a hands-on leader who is comfortable operating across the full spectrum of finance activities, from statutory reporting and audit management through to process development, systems improvement, and supporting commercial decision-making. Key Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Controls Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements Ensure compliance with IFRS/UK GAAP and all statutory reporting requirements Maintain and strengthen internal controls, policies, and procedures Own balance sheet integrity and reconciliations Audit Management Lead and coordinate annual external audits with Big Four firms (e.g. Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) Act as primary point of contact for external auditors Ensure timely delivery of audit evidence and resolution of audit queries Drive continuous improvement in audit readiness and processes Start-Up / Scale-Up Finance Operations Operate in a hands-on capacity across all areas of finance, including: Accounts payable and receivable oversight Cash flow management and forecasting Payroll coordination (where applicable) Banking and treasury activities Support implementation and optimisation of finance systems and ERP platforms Build scalable finance processes to support business growth Management Reporting & Business Support Produce accurate and insightful management accounts Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning Partner with senior leadership to provide financial insight and decision support Deliver ad-hoc analysis to support commercial initiatives and strategic projects Team Leadership Manage and develop a small finance team (or build function as business grows) Provide coaching and technical guidance to junior finance staff Foster a high-performance, collaborative finance culture Tax & Compliance Oversee VAT, corporation tax coordination, and statutory compliance Liaise with external advisors and tax consultants as required Ensure compliance with regulatory and reporting obligations Key Requirements Experience Qualified accountant (ACCA / ACA / CIMA or equivalent) Significant experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role Proven track record working with Big Four audit firms Experience in a start-up, scale-up, or high-growth environment Strong exposure to end-to-end finance operations Technical Skills Strong knowledge of IFRS and/or UK GAAP Advanced financial reporting and consolidation experience Strong Excel and financial systems capability (ERP experience essential) Experience implementing or improving finance systems/processes Personal Attributes Hands-on and willing to operate at all levels of detail Comfortable working in ambiguity and fast-changing environments Strong commercial awareness and business partnering mindset High attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy and control Proactive, self-starter with a continuous improvement mindset Strong communication skills, able to engage both finance and non-finance stakeholders Desirable Experience Experience in venture-backed or PE-backed businesses Exposure to fundraising, investor reporting, or due diligence processes Experience scaling a finance function from early stage to maturity Systems implementation (e.g. NetSuite, Sage Intacct, SAP, Oracle) What Success Looks Like Clean, timely, and audit-ready financial reporting Smooth, efficient external audit process with minimal issues Robust financial controls suitable for scaling business Reliable forecasting and cash visibility for leadership team A finance function that evolves in line with business growth