Finance Controller job description sample

A Finance Controller/Financial Controller, or a Finance Officer manages the finances of a company. Their duties include overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, preparing financial reports and handling tax matters.

 

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Finance Controller duties and responsibilities

Finance Controllers ensure that accounting and financial reporting operations improve the company’s effectiveness and efficiency. Their primary duties include:

  • Supervising company investments and financial accounts
  • Managing cash flow and expenses by monitoring transactions and reviewing internal reports
  • Developing and implementing financial reporting systems to meet internal company controls and industry regulations
  • Supervising and managing the finance team members
  • Creating budgets and financial plans and monitoring their implementation
  • Analysing financial reports and related data ensuring accuracy and preventing misconduct
  • Producing financial forecasts and presenting financial reports to management
  • Carrying out financial audits in compliance with government regulations and legislation

 

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Finance Controller Job Description Examples:

 

Example 1

Finance Controller

Based North of York City Centre, car to travel is essential

Benefits -On-Site Free Parking, Company Events and Trips, Casual Dress Code, Healthcare after 6 months, Modern offices, 24+2 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays and Pension Scheme*

We require all applicants to be a Fully Qualified Accountant, preferably CIMA or have at least 10 years’ experience of working in Finance and at least 5 years of leading a team

Salary – Negotiable depending on experience

Our client has a very competent number 2 in Finance, the Commercial Finance Manager, who is principally focussed on Receivables, there is also a Finance Supervisor who focuses on Payables. There are a further 5 team members, one of whom is based at another branch and works part of the time for Finance. Some of the team are studying AAT qualifications in their own time.

The Finance Team work very closely together. The business is very fast paced, and finance is required to support Sales daily with a quick turnaround of a variety of tasks, such as opening customer accounts, and paying suppliers before goods will be dispatched, plus other tasks. The team multitask, and each can do a wide variety of both payables and receivables work.

The company does not prepare budgets, due to the fast-paced nature of the business but manages its gross profit margins by targeting sales with this. They operate a single-entry bookkeeping system using a bespoke database and produce monthly management accounts and quarterly VAT Returns. This role reports directly into the Managing Director.

Required:
  • Fully Qualified CIMA with at least 10 years’ PQE
  • Background of both financial and management accounting
  • Previous experience of leading a Finance Department
  • Several years’ experience of commerce and making/input to commercial decisions
  • Team leader, motivator, mentor, and team player
  • Problem solving and strategic skills
  • Systems development – e.g., designing reports, changing procedures

    Desirable:
  • Prior experience of project management
  • Experience of working in a fast-paced environment

    The role is responsible for:Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, authorising Sales Orders, Bank, Government Reporting for the UK and NL, Cashflow Management, managing Returns, and other duties. Monthly Management Accounts to Ebitda and other Financial KPIs.

    Financial Responsibilities:We operate a Balanced Scorecard for the Company. The Financial Controller is responsible for managing, monitoring, and reporting a variety of Financial Targets.

    Teamwork:Regular communication with Logistics Manager, Sales Manager and Managing Director.

    Participation in regularly held Finance, Management Team and other Company Meetings.

    It is vital that the successful candidate can demonstrate:
  • Good people skills, team management skills and leadership skills
  • Track record of communicating with 3rd parties (e.g., customers, suppliers)
  • Assertive, confident, tenacious, good communicator, problem solver
  • Ability to contribute to strategy and deliver on it
  • Willingness to support the Finance Team with junior tasks (e.g. credit card reconciliation) – at times

    Due to the volume of applications we receive if you have not heard from the managing consultant within 1 week please assume you have not been short listed.

    Kube Recruitment Solutions Ltd. is committed to a policy of equal opportunities in relation to job applications. A copy of our Diversity Policy is available upon request.

    Kube Recruitment Solutions Ltd is acting in the capacity of an Employment Agency for permanent appointments.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Salary: £45,000.00-£65,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • Company events
  • Company pension
  • Employee discount
  • On-site parking
  • Store to Friday
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    Example 2

    First Achieve’s Engineering Division are working with a successful and ambitious, owner-managed manufacturing company, who are a global supplier of manufactured components for various industries. With a solid track record in year-on-year growth and exciting plans for the future, we are looking for a Finance Controller to lead their finance team to help the continued development of this crucial business function. The position has arisen, due to the current member of staff looking to retire. The company is based just outside of Falkirk.

    Reporting to the Managing Director, you will oversee all financial accounting and reporting systems, you will work to increase the group’s profitability by controlling and reducing costs, enhancing reporting and business analysis capability whilst also ensuring key financial risks are understood and managed appropriately.

    Salary is negotiable, depending on experience & expectations.

    Working hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm, however there is some flexibility around start and finish times.

    This is an office-based position.

    As Finance Controller, you will be experienced in all aspects of the production of management and statutory accounts in a manufacturing environment and be familiar with the latest accounting standards and practices. You will have a pragmatic and hands-on approach, be familiar with computerised accounting and reporting systems and be able to work to tight deadlines. Given the nature and size of the business, you will have a flexible approach to your work & be able to assist in other departments if/when required.

    As a key member of their leadership team, you will attend management meetings, manage relationships with key external stakeholders and manage all aspects of the finance function including payroll, VAT and invoice finance. You will produce monthly management accounts including P&L Accounts, Balance Sheets and Cash Flows, providing commentary on results and key variances and prepare year end accounts for audit and manage the audit process.

    You will work with other senior management to ensure operational and financial KPIs are developed, reported against, and controlled and that finance is properly integrated in all aspects of the business.

    KEY Skills & OTHER Requirements:

  • Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ICMA or equivalent)
  • Management and statutory accounts experience
  • Self-motivated and able to work within a team environment

    This is an exciting career opportunity, within an organisation that truly looks after their employees & have a bright future ahead. APPLY TODAY and one of our experienced consultants will be in touch to discuss in further detail.

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Salary: £45,000.00-£70,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • On-site parking
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour to Friday
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    Example 3

  • Job Reference: 12292
  • Date Posted: 6 June 2022
  • Recruiter: Paul Mitchell Associates
  • Location: Leicester, Leicestershire, England
  • Salary: £35,000
  • Bonus/Benefits: + Benefits
  • Sector: Accountancy
  • Job Type: Permanent
  • Duration: Permanent
  • Work Hours: Full Time

    Job Description
    12292 – Finance Controller Job Spec
    Location: Leicestershire
    Summary of the Role
    Our entrepreneurial Client – an ambitious, dynamic & rapidly growing B2B e-commerce business based in Leicester – is seeking an all-round safe pair of hands to manage their entire finance function on a full-time permanent basis.
    As Finance Controller/Accountant, reporting to the Owners & Board, you will be solely responsible for the day-to-day running of all financial processes & requirements (turnover currently at circa £10m).

  • Overseeing Daily Cash / Bank Reconciliations,
  • Month-end journals – preparation and processing,
  • Balance Sheet Reconciliations,
  • VAT returns,
  • Recharges for departmental cost structures – preparation & processing,
  • Actively participate in Statutory Audits,
  • Actively participate in Internal Stock Audits,
  • VAT and Intrastat returns preparation,
  • Monthly Payroll submission.

    The Right Person

  • Ideally Part or Fully Qualified AAT or Qualified by Experience,
  • You will possess at least 3-5 years’ experience a similar environment,
  • You will be used to working to tight deadlines and comfortable working in an ecommerce business,
  • Experience in using Xero and Excel.

    Package

  • Appointment Type: Permanent
  • Salary: c£35,000 (subject to experience)
  • Hours: Full-Time
  • Holiday: 20 Days + Bank Holidays
  • Pension
  • Parking

    Job Types: Full-time, £35,000.00 per year
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    Example 4

    Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment, where you gain a tremendous amount of responsibility? Do you want to be part of an exceptional entrepreneurial team with young, motivated and extremely driven people? And are you curious or passionate about finance? If so, you might be our Finance Controller.
    About us
    "Private Equity Insights is the world's leading Private Equity community. We connect and develop more than 240,000 investment professionals across the world, through our platforms, which include conferences, webinars, magazines and news reports.
    For more than 10 years, PEI has helped Investors, Fund Managers and CXOs rethink what it takes to fundraise, invest, operate and exit in Private Equity, and does so via online engagement and cutting edge conferences in Singapore, UK, France, Poland & CEE, Benelux, Switzerland, Iberia, Germany, Italy, Nordics and DACH."
    Private Equity Insights is part of United Media which focuses on building large scale industry media and conferences products in sectors such as insurance, HR, private equity, retail, etc. As of today, we have organically launched 8 media companies and acquired one.
    What we offer you
    As our Finance Controller you get the unique opportunity to be a key player in building one of our portfolio companies. By providing you with the ownership of our finances, we want to constantly push you out of your comfort zone. You'll be working out of our HQ in London and to ensure a never ending growth curve, we provide you with:

  • An opportunity for getting operational experience in a start-up or scale-up where both your work and the results are highly tangible and matters to the business
  • A chance to work closely together with one of our CEO's on our finances and budgets as well as report to investors on a monthly basis and participate in board meetings
  • Unlimited growth potential in our company - we strongly believe in and have a track record of promoting internally

    Your Responsibilities
    Your responsibilities will vary; however, some of them will be to:

  • Conduct monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting of both financial and operational performance
  • Assume responsibility for day to day finance operations such as cash flow, payments, payroll and P&L
  • Secure compliance with relevant standards and rules within tax, VAT and transfer pricing
  • Support and report to management on strategic decisions (budgets, management accounts etc.)

    What we expect from you
    You possess an unparalleled work ethic with a high sense of urgency. You have a relentless drive and desire to be the very best at what you do. You take ownership of everything you do, are proactive and follow through on commitments. Moreover, you're humble and you share our passion for building and executing new businesses. Furthermore, we expect that you:

  • Have acquired a bachelor's or master's degree with outstanding results
  • Have +2 years of work experience with outstanding performance within finance, auditing or assurance
  • Have an EU work permit
  • Have an exceptional attention to detail
  • Have excellent problem solving skills
  • Are highly process oriented and systematic

    Startdate
    As soon as Type: Full-time
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    What does a Finance Controller do?

    Finance Controllers are in charge of a company’s financial and accounting activities. They monitor the flow of income into the company and control expenses to ensure financial stability. Finance Controllers direct and coordinate budget preparation and implementation. In many companies, the Finance Controller also oversees tax payments, banking, invoices and financial forecasts. Finance Controllers typically work full-time hours. Experienced Finance Controllers can become Senior Finance Officers or Finance Managers.

     

    Finance Controller skills and qualifications

    A successful Finance Controller candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed to perform duties and responsibilities effectively. These include:

    • Knowledge of finance and accounting principles and procedures
    • Understanding of general ledger functions 
    • Knowledge of accounting software such as Excel, Wave Accounting and Sage 50cloud
    • Ability to work with financial data and identify irregularities in financial reports
    • Strong foundation in financial analysis
    • Excellent financial projection and forecasting skills
    • Effective team coordination skills

     

    Finance Controller experience requirements

    A strong background in financial reporting and accounting are typical experience requirements for Finance Controllers. Previous experience in banking, taxation and business management is also desirable. Finance Controllers need experience in financial forecasts, budgeting and financial accounts management. Junior Finance Controller candidates need at least two years of experience. Senior roles require five or more years of accounting and finance experience. Finance Controllers may also require extensive managerial or leadership experience, especially in large organisations.

     

    Finance Controller education requirements

    A Finance Controller typically needs a university degree in finance, accounting or business studies. Some candidates who have a certificate in bookkeeping, accounting or financial studies could be suitable for entry-level Finance Controller positions. Candidates could also prove their eligibility for this role via an Assistant Accountant advanced apprenticeship. Some Finance Controllers could come from a pool of experienced Finance Assistants and Accounts Assistants. Optional certifications for Finance Controllers include a Chartered Accountant credential and training in financial reporting standards.

     

    Finance Controller salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for Finance Controller candidates in the UK is £56,498 per year. Actual pay may depend on the employer, location, industry, experience, skills and qualifications and exact job duties and responsibilities.

     

    Job description samples for similar positions

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    Finance Controller job description FAQs

     

    What qualities make a good Finance Controller?

    Strong written and verbal communication skills to share complex financial and accounting data to management and company teams in a simple way are essential qualities for a good Finance Controller. Successful Finance Controllers are detail-oriented because they have to work with different types of financial reports and data. They also need to be trustworthy and have an impeccable character. Finance Controllers can draw valuable insights from complicated, difficult-to-understand information. Other qualities of a Finance Controller are leadership skills and the ability to motivate teams to improve organisational efficiency.

     

    How can you make your Finance Controller job description stand out?

    An effective job description helps candidates decide whether they have the experience, academic qualifications, skills and professional ambitions to fit into your company and its role. Try to highlight the specific job duties and responsibilities of the role, including the teams the Finance Controller supervises. Mention any specific tools the candidate should be familiar with, such as QuickBooks or Xero, if your organisation uses them. Describe your company’s unique culture and state the work hours, remuneration and employment benefits such as paid holidays and opportunities for professional training.

     

    Who reports to a Finance Controller?

    The Finance Controller supervises the finance and accounting teams. Usually, Finance Assistants, Account Assistants and other junior staff in the finance department report to the Finance Controller.

     

    What is the difference between a Finance Controller and an Accountant?

    A Finance Controller oversees the accounting and financial operations of a company, including supervising the staff of the financial department. However, an Accountant maintains and analyses the financial records of a business to ensure compliance with regulatory and legal guidelines. Finance Controllers also tend to have more duties and responsibilities than Accountants.

    Job Description Examples

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