UK Financial Controller - UK (12 month FTC)

Role type: Temporary - 12 month fixed term contract

Reporting to: UK Finance Director

Estimated Start: November

Location - London

What's the role 

We’re looking for a UK Financial Controller to provide 12-month maternity cover for our Finance Operations team, leading day-to-day control across 4 entities (3 UK, 1 Spanish). 

What you do

• Lead the day-to-day EMEA finance function, directly managing two team members with wider oversight across a finance team of approximately six.
• Own the month-end close and financial reporting process across the P&L (Revenue $47m), Balance Sheet (Net Assets $62m) and Cash Flow ($5m).
• Maintain strong financial control across the region, including oversight of balance sheet reconciliations and key financial controls.
• Oversee working capital and cash management, including weekly payment runs and cash flow forecasting.
• Lead debtor management, partnering with the team and wider business to drive effective cash collection (90% current)
• Own monthly payroll for the UK and Spanish entities
• Manage key compliance requirements, including Group VAT returns and relevant statutory obligations.
• Lead the FY27 year-end audit, coordinating across the finance team, Group Finance and external auditors.
• Partner with Group Finance and the wider business on financial reporting, business requirements and finance-related issues

Who you are

• 3+ years in financial management within a fast-paced, multi-entity, or international business.
• Recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Strong technical knowledge of UK regulations, IFRS, and tax requirements.
• Proven experience owning month-end close and financial reporting (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow).
• Experience leading, developing, and managing a finance team.
• Ability to work independently, taking ownership and resolving issues effectively.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and strict deadlines (month-end, payroll, audit).
• Proficient in financial systems with advanced Excel skills.

How you succeed

• Take ownership and lead with confidence: Set clear priorities, make informed decisions and create accountability across the team, stepping in to resolve issues when needed.
• Maintain a high-performing team: Coach and support the team, creating an inclusive environment where people are empowered to take ownership and continuously improve.
• Be a trusted business partner: Build strong relationships across Finance and the wider business, communicating clearly and constructively challenging stakeholders when needed.
• Stay ahead of the numbers: Identify risks, issues and opportunities early, using financial insight to support better decision-making rather than simply reporting what has already happened.
• Deliver with pace and consistency: Manage competing priorities effectively, maintain high standards and keep key deliverables moving in a fast-paced environment.