Financial Controller - contract

As a Financial Controller at our company, your main responsibilities include overseeing all financial operations, managing accounts payable and receivable, preparing management and statutory accounts, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. You'll also drive improvements in procedures and controls while collaborating across departments.

To qualify for the Financial Controller role, candidates should possess an ACA or ACCA qualification and have at least five years of post-qualification experience. A solid understanding of accounting standards, financial reporting, and corporation tax is essential.

The Financial Controller will be integral to shaping our financial strategy by interpreting accounting guidelines, providing insights on financial results, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This role also involves collaborating with various departments to align financial decisions with broader business goals.

The Financial Controller position is initially a 3-month fixed contract with an immediate start. This provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to the company while potentially paving the way for future roles.

Our Financial Controller role comes with a competitive benefits package, including stock options, a contributory pension scheme, 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays, access to a free on-site gym, and various employee assistance programs.

When discussing your experience, highlight specific month-end and year-end closing processes you've managed, including your approach to preparing management accounts and reconciling balance sheets. Mention any software you used and how you ensured accuracy in financial reporting.

Explain your familiarity with UK GAAP and IFRS, citing examples of how you've navigated compliance in previous roles. Discuss your methods for staying updated on any changes to these standards and how you implemented them in your financial operations.

Provide a specific example of a procedure you improved, detailing the issue, your action steps, and the outcome. Employers appreciate candidates who can demonstrate initiative and drive efficiency within their financial operations.

Talk about your experience managing payroll processes, including any systems you used. Discuss how you ensure accuracy, compliance with tax regulations, and effective communication with HR and employees regarding payroll changes.

Share your strategies for effectively managing time under pressure, such as prioritizing tasks, utilizing tools for organization, and maintaining open communication with team members to ensure all deadlines are met without compromising quality.

Discuss your method for identifying and resolving discrepancies, emphasizing your attention to detail. Interviewers appreciate candidates who can troubleshoot issues and communicate findings effectively to relevant stakeholders.

Describe your experience in preparing VAT and corporate tax returns, including any collaboration with external tax advisers. Highlight how your contributions impacted compliance and reporting accuracy.

Explain your analytical process when preparing financial reports. Include specific tools or frameworks you utilize, and how your analysis informs decision-making at the organizational level.

Enumerate key skills such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, communication, and initiative. Illustrate how these skills have played a role in your success as a Financial Controller in past positions.

Articulate your interest in the role by linking your career goals with the company's objectives. Share what excites you about this position and how you envision contributing to the team.