Group Financial Controller

GTS are pleased to be retained by a privately‑owned, high‑growth SME operating in the UK and Europe. On their behalf, we are seeking an experienced Group Controller (GFC) to act as the right‑hand executive to the Group CFO. This is a career‑defining leadership role within a rapidly scaling business that has delivered strong double‑digit growth and is being actively positioned for a successful exit within the next five years. The GFC will assume full ownership of the entire finance function and play a pivotal role in shaping the finance roadmap (People, Processes & Systems) to support continued aggressive expansion in product wholesale, supply‑chain services, distribution, and field‑engineering solutions. Key Responsibilities End‑to‑end leadership of the finance department: financial control, management & statutory reporting, FP&A, treasury, tax, credit control (A/R), purchase‑to‑pay (A/P), payroll, internal controls, and risk management Business partner to the CEO, MDs and wider leadership team; trusted advisor to the Board Design, recruitment and development of a high‑performing finance team capable of scaling with the business Drive finance transformation: implement best‑in‑class O2C, P2P and R2R processes Lead systems and technology upgrades – ERP selection/implementation experience highly advantageous Support M&A, post‑merger integration, due diligence, refinancing, capital‑raising and exit‑preparation activities Embed robust governance, compliance and control frameworks suitable for a high‑growth, private‑equity‑backed environment MUST HAVE Fully qualified ACA / ACCA / CIMA (or international equivalent) Big‑4 or strong mid‑tier audit training background (or high‑calibre industry graduate programme) Significant post‑qualification experience gained within high‑growth SME or scale‑up environments undergoing transformation Proven track record of building and leading finance teams in entrepreneurial, private‑equity‑backed or owner‑managed businesses Hands‑on finance transformation experience: process re‑engineering, systems implementation, control framework design Strong technical accounting, reporting and compliance skills combined with commercial acumen Experience in product wholesale, distribution, supply‑chain, logistics or field‑service engineering sectors is highly desirable ERP implementation/upgrade experience (ideally within inventory‑heavy or multi‑site distribution businesses) NICE TO HAVE Exposure to B2B recurring‑revenue or SaaS‑adjacent business models Previous “number 2” or deputy CFO role reporting to a private‑equity or venture‑backed CFO Personal Attributes High IQ and EQ – able to operate strategically at Board level and roll sleeves up operationally Exceptional communicator and cultural leader; gravitas combined with approachability Thr in fast‑paced, ambiguous, high‑growth environments Proactive, solutions‑oriented, and comfortable challenging the status quo Location & Package East Midlands (hybrid working available). Highly competitive six‑figure base salary, performance‑related bonus and longer‑term equity‑linked incentives reflective of the exit horizon. This is a strictly confidential search managed exclusively by GTS Group. To register interest or request the full information pack, please contact Greg McHugh on greg-m@gts-search.com quoting reference GFC-EM1125. All applications and enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence. Seniority level Director Employment type Full‑time Job function Accounting/Auditing, Finance, and Analyst Industries Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage #J-18808-Ljbffr