Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Our client is a well-established, independent financial services company based in Southampton, with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality advice and support to businesses and individuals. They are committed to building long-term relationships with clients, helping them manage their financial affairs efficiently and effectively while supporting their wider business goals.

Role Purpose

The Financial Controller is responsible for overseeing the firm’s financial operations, ensuring strong financial governance, accurate reporting, and compliance with all regulatory obligations. This role is key to supporting strategic decision-making through insightful financial analysis while maintaining the integrity of financial systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Control

Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
Ensure all financial reporting is accurate, complete, and delivered on time
Maintain and strengthen financial controls, policies, and procedures
Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations
Manage the general ledger, reconciliations, and month-end/year-end close processes
Budgeting & Forecasting

Lead the annual budgeting process and regular financial forecasting
Monitor performance against budgets and provide detailed variance analysis
Work closely with department heads to support financial planning and cost control initiatives
Cashflow & Treasury Management

Oversee cash flow forecasting and working capital management
Manage banking relationships and optimise cash utilisation
Ensure sufficient liquidity is maintained to support operational requirements
Audit & Compliance

Coordinate and manage external audit processes
Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and tax regulations, including VAT returns, RTI, Auto Enrolment, and PSA obligations
Act as the main point of contact for auditors and regulatory bodies
Financial Analysis & Business Partnering

Provide meaningful financial analysis to support strategic business decisions
Develop KPIs and performance reporting dashboards for senior leadership
Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and process improvements
Team Leadership & Development

Lead, manage, and develop the finance team, including performance reviews and training
Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Ensure responsibilities are appropriately allocated and the team is effectively resourced
Provide line management support to the internal bookkeeper
Systems & Process Improvement

Maintain and improve financial systems, reporting tools, and internal processes
Support the implementation and enhancement of finance systems where required
Drive automation and efficiency initiatives within the finance function
Lead the finance team in maximising the use of practice management systems to deliver meaningful financial reporting and KPIs

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
Commercial awareness and strategic thinking capabilities

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)
Significant experience in financial management and reporting
Strong knowledge of accounting standards and regulatory requirements
Advanced Excel and financial systems expertise
Proven experience managing and developing teams
Desirable

Experience within a professional services or similar environment
Experience leading process improvement or systems implementation projects
What Success Looks Like

Accurate and timely financial reporting
Robust financial controls and successful audit outcomes
Effective cash flow and budget management
A high-performing and well-supported finance team
Clear financial insight contributing to business growth
Venture Recruitment Partners (also trading as Chilworth Partnership Ltd) is a Recruitment Agency. By applying for this role, you are authorising us as a Recruitment Agency to contact you and to provide services and information relating to job hunting activities. Please see our at