Financial Controller

Job Description

Company Background Our client is a pioneering, fast-growing technology company at the forefront of clean energy innovation. This organization specializes in advanced energy solutions , with a global footprint and a strong track record in scientific, engineering, and commercial excellence. The company employs over 300 experts from around the world and is committed to delivering sustainable energy solutions for the future. Overview of the Role As Financial Controller, you will oversee the group financial control function and ensure adherence to policies and procedures, working autonomously under the guidance of the Finance Director. You will lead and manage global financial operations, developing a highly capable, flexible, and effective team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of group financial accounting, maintaining accurate books and reviewing monthly accounts.
• Define, prepare and manage efficient month-end and year-end processes, including statutory reporting requirements.
• Develop and enforce a robust internal control environment to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Prepare, validate, and review monthly and year-to-date results versus plan.
• Manage and update all group accounting policies.
• Manage group reporting, ensuring adherence to all financial reporting deadlines and consolidating group results, including joint ventures and subsidiaries.
• Manage group tax compliance and submissions globally (payroll taxes, VAT, US sales taxes, corporation/income taxes, withholding taxes).
• Manage and improve the group’s financial systems and processes, supporting the selection, implementation, and enhancement of platforms and solutions.
• Lead the annual audit process and implement recommendations.
• Prepare and manage R&D tax credit claims and other applicable rebate claims.
• Account for intercompany and joint venture relationships and transactions.
• Oversee capital expenditure and fixed asset accounting.
• Own the group’s cash management, adhering to treasury policy controls and strategies.
• Ensure efficient management of group working capital.
• Stay informed about changes in financial and tax regulations and ensure compliance.
• Instil a service-oriented ethos within the finance function, nurturing financial know-how across the wider business.
• Provide input and support to the FP&A team for business planning and ad hoc projects.
• Support the Finance Director with other financial matters as required.
• Support the People Team on payroll and pensions, overseeing related tax and accounting submissions.

Requirements and Attributes

Requirements and Attributes

• Qualified accountant with significant industry experience.
• Strong technical accounting background/knowledge (IFRS).
• Cashflow, banking, and treasury management skills.
• Track record of internal control and process development.
• Experience with business taxes and compliance, ideally in an international/group environment.
• Direct experience preparing and submitting claims under the UK R&D tax credit scheme.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a finance team.
• Experience with accounting software & ERP packages (ideally MS Business Central or Dynamics).
• Strong IT skills, particularly in Excel.
• Experience in science, technology, and joint venture business is highly beneficial.
  

Job Benefits

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and 3 festive days between Christmas and New Year)
• Company pension scheme
• Eligibility for company share option scheme
• Discretionary company bonus scheme, dependent on performance
• Financial benefits including death in service and critical illness cover
• Cycle to work scheme

Additional Information

• Appointment is subject to standard pre-employment screening (right-to-work, proof of identity, references).
• Personal data will be processed in accordance with GDPR and UK data protection legislation.
• The company is committed to equality of opportunity and assesses candidates solely on merit, qualifications, and ability to perform the job.