Job Title: Financial Controller
Location: St Helens (Head Office)
Salary: Starting from £60,000
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Reporting To: Finance Director / CFO
Recruiter: DNA Recruitment
About the Company:
We are working with a well-established independent community pharmacy group with a nationwide presence and a network of over 170 branches. The business operates through a complex structure of multiple limited companies, generating a turnover in excess of £200 million annually. As they continue to expand, the organisation requires a skilled Financial Controller to lead financial operations and drive strong reporting standards across the group.
The Role:
This is a key senior finance position responsible for managing the day-to-day running of the finance function, leading a team of professionals, and ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance in all financial reporting. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy, supporting senior stakeholders, and helping guide the company’s continued growth.
Person Specification
Qualifications Required:
ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified (or equivalent)
Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
Previous experience as Finance controller
Experience:
Proven experience as a Financial Controller or similar role.
Experience in a multi-entity or multi-site business environment.
Expertise in financial reporting, management accounts, and consolidations.
Team leadership and people development experience.
Proficient in accounting software (e.g., Sage, Xero, QuickBooks) and strong Excel skills.
Attributes:
Strong leadership and mentoring ability.
High level of attention to detail.
Analytical and problem-solving mindset.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Proactive, organised, and results oriented.
What’s on Offer:
Competitive salary and benefits.
Career development in a growing organisation.
Supportive, collaborative working environment.
Exposure to a large, complex finance function with real progression potential.
Interested?
Key Responsibilities
Financial Control & Reporting
Lead preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in line with UK accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
Consolidate financial results across a group of limited companies and multi-site branches.
Ensure timely delivery of management accounts including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow.
Analyse financial performance and provide insights to senior leadership.
Establish and maintain financial controls and procedures to ensure compliance and asset protection.
Oversee budgeting and forecasting processes.
Liaise with external auditors and tax advisors during audits and filings.
Team Management
Lead and support a team including Management Accountants, Assistant Management Accountants, and Bookkeepers.
Allocate workloads effectively and monitor delivery against deadlines.
Conduct performance reviews and offer development and training opportunities.
Foster a culture of teamwork, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
Strategic Financial Leadership
Support the Finance Director / CFO in long-term financial planning.
dentify opportunities for cost efficiencies and process improvements.
Advise on investments, acquisitions, and business expansion.
Ensure full compliance with statutory bodies including HMRC and Companies House.
Systems & Processes
Maintain and develop financial systems to ensure scalability and effectiveness.
Champion new technologies or software to improve reporting and workflow.
Safeguard the integrity and accuracy of financial data across systems