Group Financial Controller
hace 8 días
London
Our client is seeking a highly commercial, technically strong, and hands-on Group Financial Controller to lead the finance function of a fast-growing, private equity-backed data centre business. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring financial integrity, robust controls, timely reporting, and scalable financial processes while supporting the company's ambitious growth strategy. \n Working closely with the CFO & FD, executive leadership team, investors, and external advisors, the successful candidate will provide high-quality financial information that enables informed decision-making and supports value creation. The role is ideally suited to someone who thrives in a high-growth, fast-paced environment and enjoys building best-in-class finance capabilities. Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting\n\n • Lead the monthly, quarterly and annual financial close process.\n, • Produce timely and accurate consolidated management accounts.\n, • Prepare board packs and financial reporting for the executive team and private equity investors.\n, • Manage statutory reporting across all legal entities.\n, • Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards (IFRS or UK GAAP as applicable).\n, • Manage year-end audit processes and statutory accounts preparation.\n, • Oversee consolidation of domestic and international subsidiaries where applicable.\nFinancial Control & Governance\n\n, • Develop and maintain a strong financial control environment.\n, • Own the company's financial policies, procedures and governance framework.\n, • Ensure compliance with tax, VAT, payroll and regulatory obligations.\n, • Manage balance sheet integrity, reconciliations and cash controls.\n, • Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and internal controls.\n, • Lead risk management activities relating to finance operations.\nTeam Leadership\n\n, • Lead, develop and mentor the finance team.\n, • Build a high-performing finance function capable of supporting continued growth.\n, • Establish clear objectives and performance standards.\n, • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.\nBudgeting, Forecasting & Business Partnering\n\n, • Support the CFO in annual budgeting and rolling forecasting processes.\n, • Provide financial analysis and insights to support commercial decision-making.\n, • Challenge assumptions and improve forecast accuracy.\n, • Partner with department leaders to improve financial performance and cost management.\nPrivate Equity Reporting\n\n, • Prepare monthly investor reporting packs and KPI dashboards.\n, • Support covenant reporting and lender requirements where applicable.\n, • Produce cash flow reporting and liquidity forecasts.\n, • Assist with value creation initiatives and performance tracking.\n, • Support refinancing, acquisitions, integrations and exit readiness activities.\nSystems & Process Improvement\n\n, • Drive automation and optimisation of finance processes.\n, • Lead ERP and finance systems enhancements.\n, • Improve reporting capability through business intelligence and data analytics.\n, • Ensure finance infrastructure can scale alongside business growth.\nTreasury & Cash Management\n\n, • Oversee cash flow forecasting and working capital management.\n, • Manage banking relationships and treasury activities.\n, • Monitor liquidity and funding requirements.\n, • Optimise cash conversion and balance sheet efficiency.\nM&A and Corporate Activity\n\n, • Support financial due diligence for acquisitions.\n, • Lead finance integration of acquired businesses.\n, • Assist with investment cases, financial modelling and strategic projects.\n, • Support future fundraising or exit processes.\nKey Skills & ExperienceEssential\n\n, • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).\n, • Significant post-qualification experience in a Group Financial Controller or Senior Financial Controller role.\n, • Experience within a private equity-backed, high-growth or technology-enabled business.\n, • Strong technical accounting knowledge.\n, • Experience producing consolidated group accounts.\n, • Proven track record managing audits and statutory reporting.\n, • Strong financial controls and governance experience.\n, • Advanced Excel and financial systems knowledge.\n, • Experience managing and developing finance teams.\n, • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.\nDesirable\n\n, • Experience within a data centre, software or technology businesses.\n, • Previous Big Four or Top 10 accountancy background.\n, • Experience with acquisitions and post-merger integration.\n, • Exposure to international operations.\n, • ERP implementation or finance transformation experience.\n, • Experience using Power BI, Tableau or similar reporting tools.\nSuccess Measures\n Within the first 12-18 months, the successful candidate will: \n\n • Deliver consistently accurate and timely monthly reporting.\n, • Strengthen the financial control environment and governance framework.\n, • Improve reporting quality and management insight.\n, • Enhance forecasting accuracy and cash flow visibility.\n, • Streamline finance processes through automation and improved systems.\n, • Build a high-performing finance team.\n, • Successfully support acquisitions and integration activities where applicable.\n, • Establish a finance function that is scalable and exit-ready.\n