Financial Controller- Head of Finance

The Financial Controller will take ownership of the Finance function during a period of rapid business growth and operational scaling. The role requires a commercially sharp, hands‑on finance leader who can stabilise current processes, build robust financial controls, and introduce the systems, reporting and structure needed for a larger organisation. This position is suited to someone who has successfully taken a fast‑growing or complex business through transformation, improving financial visibility, cash discipline and team capability. Key Responsibilities Stabilisation & Transformation Assess the current Finance function and implement rapid improvements in structure, controls and processes. Introduce scalable systems, automation and reporting suitable for a growing organisation. Strengthen governance, compliance, risk management and audit readiness. Identify gaps and deliver a clear improvement roadmap within the first 90‑180 days. Financial Leadership & Control Lead all financial operations including P&L, balance sheet, cashflow, forecasting and month‑end close. Implement tighter cost control, budgeting and variance analysis. Ensure accurate, timely management information to support fast decision‑making. Build robust financial policies, procedures and approval frameworks. Commercial & Operational Support Partner closely with Sales, Commercial and Operations to support bids, pricing, contract structures and margin protection. Provide financial insight on long‑term and complex projects. Develop commercial and financial models for new revenue streams, growth plans and scenario planning. Support evaluation of major investments, systems and staffing requirements. Data, Reporting & Systems Development Lead the development of modern reporting dashboards and real‑time visibility tools. Use AI‑enabled and digital finance tools to improve forecasting and efficiency. Integrate data across multiple platforms (billing, CRM, operations, projects). Drive simplification and automation across financial workflows. Cash & Credit Management Strengthen credit control and debt recovery processes to support working capital. Improve cashflow forecasting and risk management. Align billing cycles with operational delivery and contract terms. People & Capability Lead, mentor and develop the finance team to create a high‑performance culture. Support recruitment to build the right structure for future growth. Embed accountability, transparency and cross‑department collaboration. Qualifications Minimum 10 years’ experience in a senior finance role (Financial Controller / Head of Finance). Proven track record of transforming or scaling a finance function in a growing or complex business. Strong commercial operations background supporting sales and delivery teams. Experience with long‑term contract accounting, cost allocation and project‑based finance. Advanced data and analytical capability, including system and reporting development. Experience using AI‑enabled finance tools and automated reporting platforms. Demonstrable success improving credit control and working capital. Strong leadership and people‑management skills with ability to reset expectations. Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands‑on levels. Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA). Experience in the electricity, gas or water sector would be highly beneficial, especially in regulated or contract‑driven environments. Systems knowledge: SQL‑based reporting, Power BI, ERP/finance platforms. Experience supporting organisational change, restructuring or rapid scale‑up. Change‑driven, decisive and resilient. Calm under pressure with ability to bring order to complexity. Commercially sharp with strong financial discipline. Transparent communicator who can influence at all levels. Hands‑on, pragmatic and solutions‑focused. #J-18808-Ljbffr