Financial ControllerLocation: Leatherhead, Surrey
Salary: £60,000 – £70,000
The OpportunityWe are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Financial Controller to lead and develop the finance function within a fast-paced, contract-driven business environment.
This is a hands-on role that combines financial leadership with operational partnership. You will play a key role in ensuring strong financial governance, accurate reporting, effective cash flow management, and commercial support across the organisation.
The successful candidate will work closely with operational teams and senior leadership, delivering meaningful financial insight, improving processes, and driving performance and accountability.
Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Control & Reporting*Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow reporting
*Maintain and strengthen financial controls across key cost areas
*Oversee general ledger integrity, reconciliations, and month-end/year-end processes
*Deliver clear financial analysis and performance reporting across contracts and operational regions
Cash Flow Management*Manage detailed weekly and monthly cash flow forecasting
*Monitor daily cash positions and liquidity requirements
*Drive working capital performance, including invoicing, credit control, and supplier payments
*Ensure billing accuracy in line with contract terms and SLAs
*Identify cash flow risks and implement effective mitigation strategies
*Maintain strong relationships with banks and funding partners
Contract & Operational Finance*Support tendering, pricing, and contract renewals through financial modelling and analysis
*Monitor contract profitability, margins, and cost variations
*Partner with operational teams to understand and manage key cost drivers including labour, fuel, and plant
*Support operational planning around seasonal workload and revenue fluctuations
Budgeting & Forecasting*Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing forecasting cycles
*Analyse financial variances and provide actionable commercial insight
*Support longer-term business planning and capital expenditure forecasting
Statutory Accounts, Tax & Compliance*Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards and statutory regulations
*Manage statutory accounts preparation and coordinate external audits
*Oversee VAT, PAYE, and Corporation Tax compliance
*Maintain adherence to internal governance and regulatory obligations
Payroll & Cost Control*Oversee accurate and timely payroll processing
*Monitor labour costs against budgets and contract pricing
*Ensure compliance with HMRC and pension requirements
Systems & Process Improvement*Drive improvements in financial systems and reporting processes, including Xero
*Streamline finance operations, particularly invoicing and cash flow procedures
*Lead or support finance-related projects and system enhancements
About YouEssential Experience*Proven experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance position
*Strong background in management accounting and financial reporting
*Experience using Xero
*Demonstrated experience managing and developing teams
*A hands-on and operationally focused approach to finance
Skills & Attributes*Strong commercial awareness and operational understanding
*Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
*High attention to detail and accuracy
*Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
*Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented mindset
*Strong organisational and time management skills
Benefits*25 days holiday plus your birthday off
*Company pension scheme
*Free on-site parking
*Working hours: 08:00 – 16:30
Referral SchemeKnow someone suitable for this role? Refer a friend to Optima Recruitment and receive a £100 retail voucher if we successfully place them and they complete their 3-month probation period.
Additional InformationIf you have not been contacted within 5 working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion.
By applying for this vacancy, you agree to Optima Recruitment Limited’s Privacy and GDPR Policy and consent to being contacted regarding your application.
Optima Recruitment Limited acts as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy and is an equal opportunities employer.
I prefer this response