Financial Controller
Job Description
Whiteley, Hampshire
£350 - £450p/d Umbrella
Strong SAP ByD is essential
About the Role
We are seeking a highly capable Interim Financial Controller to take full ownership of financial control, reporting and commercial performance for a services business. This is a pivotal leadership role, combining technical financial stewardship with strong commercial partnering across a multi‑contract, multi‑site operational environment.
The successful candidate will lead the finance team, drive robust reporting and forecasting, strengthen financial controls, and act as a trusted commercial advisor to operational leaders. You will play a key role in improving contract profitability, cash generation and working capital performance, ensuring the business meets its financial and contractual commitments within the wider group framework.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting, Control & Compliance
• Lead the monthly, quarterly and annual reporting cycle, ensuring accurate management accounts, board packs and KPI reporting aligned with Group standards.
• Maintain a strong control environment, including reconciliations, balance sheet integrity and oversight of AP/AR/GL processes.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure compliance with accounting standards, statutory requirements and Group policies.
• Manage financial risk through a maintained balance sheet risk register, including provisions, WIP, debtors and accruals.
Commercial Finance & Contract Performance
• Oversee commercial performance of key contracts, including revenue, cost‑to‑serve, margin and cash analysis.
• Provide financial modelling and commercial insight for bids, renewals, variations and major change controls.
• Ensure compliance with contractual mechanisms (indexation, KPIs/SLAs, gainshare/penalties).
• Challenge and support operational teams to improve profitability through pricing, cost efficiencies and resource optimisation.
• Support major operational and capital expenditure decisions, ensuring value for money and sustainable margins.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Performance Management
• Lead annual budgeting and regular forecasting processes in line with Group timelines.
• Produce clear performance analysis, variance commentary and actionable recommendations.
• Drive monthly financial and commercial performance reviews with senior stakeholders.
• Support Group and regional reporting requirements, including strategic planning.
Cash, Working Capital & Process Improvement
• Own cash flow management and forecasting, working closely with credit control and operations.
• Drive improvements in cash conversion, WIP, debtors, accruals and supplier payment practices.
• Identify and implement process and system improvements across finance and commercial workflows.
• Support mobilisation of new contracts, ensuring strong financial processes from day one.
Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
• Lead, develop and motivate the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and commercial awareness.
• Act as a key business partner to the Business Unit Executive, Operations and Group Finance.
• Build strong relationships with Shared Service Centres and Group functions to ensure consistency and best practice.
• Role‑model group values and leadership behaviours.
Person Profile
• Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) – essential.
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or senior finance leader in a multi‑contract or multi‑site environment.
• Strong commercial finance/business partnering background with demonstrable impact on margin and cash performance.
• Experience leading finance teams in high‑volume, fast‑paced environments.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to interpret contract performance.
• Excellent analytical and financial modelling skills (advanced Excel).
• Clear, impactful communication with non‑financial stakeholders.
• Strong planning, prioritisation and decision‑making capability.
• Proven leadership and team‑development skills.
• Proactive, hands‑on and results‑driven.
• Confident in challenging and supporting senior stakeholders.
• Resilient, adaptable and comfortable with change.
• High integrity and professionalism.
We will consider all qualified applications for this position. Chilworth Partnership / Venture Recruitment Partners does not discriminate against disability, sex, race, gender identity, ****** orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected under the Equality Act 2010.
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