Group Financial Controller

Are you an experienced, Qualified Group Financial Controller looking for a challenging and hands-on role in Hemel Hempstead? We are offering a fantastic 6-9 month contract opportunity for a driven finance professional to manage the day-to-day financial operations across multiple entities within a dynamic business.

This role provides an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in an independent working environment, is solutions-focused, and can drive financial efficiency in a period of change. The position offers a hybrid working model with flexibility and a chance to make a significant impact.

As the Group Financial Controller, you will oversee the financial management of the business, implementing and maintaining robust financial controls across the group, while ensuring smooth operations of the finance department. You will play a key role in supporting the business through its ongoing transformation and working closely with senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead group financial and management accounting activities
• Motivate and manage the finance team, ensuring a high level of performance
• Oversee the control of sales ledger, purchase ledger, general ledger, stock, bank, cash, and payroll for the UK business
• Manage cross-functional teams in subsidiaries to ensure consistent financial controls
• Ensure invoicing is completed in line with contractual terms, including payment on account and deferred deposits
• Handle export invoicing requirements and manage bank guarantees
• Ensure accurate accounting for service contracts and resolve customer and supplier account queries
• Conduct intercompany reconciliations and oversee credit control
• Prepare cashflow forecasts and suggest improvements to accounting systems
• Manage the full month-end closing process, including preparing consolidated financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow)
• Develop and present monthly management information packs for senior leadership, in collaboration with the CFO
• Prepare trading accounts, cost center reports, and weekly after-sales reporting
• Provide sales and cost of sales margin analysis and ad hoc financial reports
• Prepare budgets and forecasts for the business
• Oversee the company audit process
• Manage monthly payroll submissions and end-of-year payroll returns
• Ensure timely completion of VAT returns, Intrastats, and EC Sales lists

About You:

We are looking for a qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA) with strong leadership skills and extensive financial control experience. Knowledge of SAP and advanced Excel skills would be a distinct advantage. The ideal candidate will be adaptable, solution-oriented, and comfortable covering AP and AR responsibilities as needed.

This is a contract position for 6-9 months, with an immediate start required (within 1-2 weeks of interview). If you're a motivated finance professional who enjoys working independently and driving process improvements, we'd love to hear from you!