Assistant Financial Controller (UK & Ireland)
3–6 Month Interim Contract | Woking, Surrey (Hybrid)
£500–£600 per day (Inside IR35)
We’re supporting a major multi-site food and consumer goods business seeking an Interim Assistant Financial Controller to lead financial close, statutory compliance, and controls across the UK & Ireland operations.
This is a senior role requiring strong technical accounting expertise, experience working with both UK GAAP and US GAAP, and the ability to manage a high-performing team while operating in a fast-paced, imperfect environment. The position also plays a key part in maintaining financial controls, including SOX requirements, and partnering across the wider business.
The Role
You will oversee all month-end, quarter-end and year-end close activities, manage statutory obligations, and ensure robust financial governance across multiple UK & Ireland legal entities. Leading a team of five qualified and part-qualified accountants, you will also partner with senior stakeholders to support forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes under both local GAAP and US GAAP
* Manage preparation and submission of consolidated results for UK & Ireland
* Oversee statutory reporting, compliance requirements, and audit deliverables
* Support tax-related activities including VAT, PSA, environmental levies, and corporation tax inputs
* Review and analyse financial results, trends, and variances against budget and forecast
* Ensure timely, accurate balance sheet reconciliations in line with group standards
* Lead, coach, and develop a team of five accounting professionals
* Maintain and strengthen SOX and internal control frameworks
* Act as a business partner across Finance, Operations, HR, IT, and other key functions
* Support ad-hoc projects, systems improvements, and process enhancements
Skills, Experience & Attributes
* Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)
* 5+ years’ experience in senior financial accounting or controllership roles
* Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and US GAAP
* Proven experience leading month-end and statutory reporting across multi-entity groups
* Continuous improvement mindset with ability to work through system/process constraints
* Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to partner at all levels
* Highly systems literate; advanced Excel essential (experience with CODA advantageous)
Why Join?
This is a high-impact interim opportunity in a well-established, well-known consumer brand. You will play a critical role during a key period of financial reporting and controls activity, while leading a strong team and working closely with senior UK, Ireland, and US stakeholders.
Apply Now
If you're an experienced Financial Controller or senior technical accountant available at short notice, we’d love to hear from you.