Financial Controller - South Leeds - SME

Are you ready for a step up to Financial Controller? Have you been looking for that perfect 1st time FC role? This newly created number 2 role could be the one… This PE backed fast-paced SME is going through a real growth phase, and the FD needs a right-hand person to take the reins on day-to-day finance while they focus on the bigger picture. Until the right person joins, that gap stays open. I am now recruiting a Financial Controller to lead a small team, own the management accounts, and become the FD's true deputy... with a clear line of sight to stepping into that seat themselves. You'll manage and develop a finance team, take full ownership of the management accounts and statutory reporting, lead the year-end audit, and be the driving force behind stronger controls, better processes, and sharper reporting. If you are ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified, have hands-on experience in a pressurised, deadline-driven SME environment, and you're confident enough to challenge and influence senior stakeholders - this is one for you. It would be the perfect role for someone looking to make their 2nd or 3rd move from Practice, but the FD is not completely set on this. The opportunity here is rare…full FD cover when needed, direct exposure to the leadership team, and a genuine, structured path to FD as the business continues to grow.

The key duties of the role will include:

• Managing, coaching and developing a small finance team
• Leading the year-end audit and statutory accounts/corporation tax submissions
• Full ownership of end-to-end management accounts and financial reporting
• Leading balance sheet reconciliations and accounting controls
• Supporting financial reporting to investors and lenders
• Preparing 13-week rolling cash flow forecasts
• Overseeing VAT returns, payroll compliance, P11Ds/PSA and R&D claims
• Managing intercompany reconciliations and day-to-day banking/cash processes
• Leading on accounting standard changes and driving process improvement

The successful candidate will:

• Be ACA or ACCA Qualified - Essential
• Have a proven track record in a hands-on finance role in a pressurised, fast-paced environment, ideally within an SME - Essential
• Have strong technical accounting knowledge, with experience in a multi-entity and/or international environment - Essential
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills, confident influencing senior stakeholders - Essential

What's on offer:

• Hybrid working (4 days office)
• Broad, hands-on exposure across the full finance function
• Fantastic career progression opportunities within a growing PE backed business