Finance Manager / Finance Controller

Job Title Finance Manager / Financial Controller Role Purpose To oversee and deliver management reporting, audit readiness, and tax filings across a group of companies, ensuring robust financial controls, audit-quality documentation, and timely regulatory compliance. The role is hands-on and requires strong technical accounting capability combined with practical experience in group structures, management accounting and audit. Key Responsibilities 1. Management Reporting • Prepare and review monthly and quarterly management accounts for: o Parent company o Subsidiaries (limited and PLC companies) o Multiple various cos (quarterly) • Perform variance analysis, trend analysis, and provide management commentary • Ensure consistency of reporting across entities to their respective directors / senior management. 2. Group Accounting & Controls • Review and structure cost allocations and recharge mechanisms • Oversee intercompany and reconciliations • Ensure accuracy and completeness of daily management accounts prepared by internal teams 3. Statutory Accounts & Tax Compliance • Prepare statutory accounts for active limited companies • Manage corporation tax computations and filings • Perform year-end closing in Sage • Liaise with external accountants and auditors 4. Audit Preparation & Management • Prepare and maintain monthly audit folders • Compile annual audit preparation files with full supporting schedules • Manage audit queries, providing clear, well-supported responses • Review draft financial statements and coordinate year-end adjustments 5. Technical Accounting & Risk • Prepare contingent liability assessments and workings • Review and maintain legal agreements (vendor, debt, equity) for audit and accounting impact 6. Stakeholder & Team Interaction • Act as primary finance contact for auditors, tax advisors, and senior management • Work closely with project teams to ensure accurate cost capture and reporting • Review work produced by internal finance teams and provide technical guidance Required Experience Essential • 3–7years progressive experience in finance and accounting roles • Prior experience as a Finance Manager / Management Accountant • Proven track record preparing: o Management accounts (monthly & quarterly) o Statutory accounts for UK limited companies o Audit-ready working papers • Strong experience managing external audits • Hands-on experience with Sage (year-end close, journals, reporting) • Experience working within group company structures with intercompany transactions • Exposure to project-based accounting and cost allocation • Prior involvement in parent–subsidiary or holding company environments • Experience supporting multiple audits simultaneously Required Technical Knowledge • UK statutory accounting and Companies Act requirements • Corporation Tax principles and filing processes • Management accounting, variance analysis, and cost structuring • Audit standards and audit support documentation • Contingent liabilities and provisions • Intercompany accounting and recharges • Legal agreement review from an accounting perspective (debt, equity, vendor contracts) Systems & Tools • Sage Accounting (essential) • Advanced Excel (pivot tables, lookups, reconciliations, schedules) • Document management for audit trails (One drive / G drive) Qualifications • ACA / CIMA qualified (or equivalent) – essential • Big 4 or mid-tier audit background – advantageous but not mandatory Key Competencies • High attention to detail and strong documentation discipline • Ability to work under tight reporting deadlines • Confident communicator with auditors and senior stakeholders • Strong ownership mindset and accountability • Ability to structure complex financial data into audit-ready outputs Reporting Line • Reports to: Group Financial Controller • Manages: Internal finance team, back office team and external auditors