Job Title: Financial Controller / Finance Director
Salary: £75,000 – £80,000
Location: Marlow
Business Size: £10m Revenue SME
Reporting to: Managing Director / CEO
Direct Reports: Small finance team (e.g., Management Accountant, Accounts Assistant)
About the Company
We are an ambitious, high-growth SME with c.£10m annual turnover, operating in a fast-moving and entrepreneurial environment. As we continue to scale, we are seeking a commercially minded and analytically driven Financial Controller / Finance Director to take full ownership of the finance function and play a pivotal role in shaping our financial strategy.
Role Overview
This is a hands-on, progressive leadership role suited to a dynamic finance professional who thrives in an SME environment. You will oversee all financial operations, ensure robust reporting, and act as a strategic partner to the senior leadership team. You will drive insight, efficiency, and financial discipline across the business while supporting the next phase of growth.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Strategy
* Lead the finance function, driving continuous improvement, efficiency and financial control.
* Partner with the MD/CEO and senior team to influence strategic direction and commercial decision-making.
* Prepare financial forecasts, long-term plans, and scenario analyses to support strategic growth initiatives.
* Provide challenge and insight to improve profitability, margin performance and cash generation.
Financial Operations & Reporting
* Own monthly management accounts, board packs and KPI reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
* Develop and refine financial dashboards, analytical tools and business intelligence reporting.
* Lead budgeting and forecasting cycles, ensuring alignment across functions.
* Ensure robust cashflow forecasting, working capital management and treasury oversight.
Controls, Governance & Compliance
* Strengthen internal controls, policies and financial processes in line with best practice.
* Oversee statutory accounts, tax compliance, audit, and external advisor relationships.
* Ensure regulatory compliance and risk management across the business.
Team Leadership
* Manage and develop a small finance team, building a high-performance culture.
* Encourage continuous learning, ownership, and cross-functional collaboration.
Systems & Process Improvement
* Champion systems enhancements and automation to boost efficiency and reporting accuracy.
* Drive digital and process transformation across finance and operational areas.
About You (Skills, Experience & Behaviours)
* Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA).
* Proven experience in an SME environment, ideally in a fast-paced or growth-oriented business.
* Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights.
* Commercially astute with a track record of improving profitability and operational performance.
* Hands-on and proactive, comfortable balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day activity.
* Excellent communicator, able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
* Experience implementing systems, processes or automation improvements.
* A progressive, forward-thinking leader who brings energy, challenge and a growth mindset.
What We Offer
* Salary: £75,000 – £80,000
* Opportunity to step into a truly influential role within a growing SME.
* Autonomy to shape the finance function and drive strategic impact.
* Collaborative culture with direct access to the leadership team.
* Potential future progression to full Finance Director (if initially hired at FC level).