Financial Controller

Description:

Financial Controller – Southampton

Our client is a well‑established and independent firm based in Southampton, recognised for delivering high‑quality advice and long‑term support to both businesses and private clients. With a strong reputation for professionalism and integrity, they are committed to helping clients manage their financial affairs efficiently while supporting their broader commercial objectives.

Role Overview

The Financial Controller will lead the firm’s financial operations, ensuring robust financial governance, accurate reporting, and full regulatory compliance. This is a pivotal role, providing strategic insight through high‑quality financial analysis and maintaining the integrity of financial systems, processes, and controls.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Control

Oversee the production of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
Ensure all reporting is accurate, timely, and compliant with relevant standards
Maintain and enhance financial controls, policies, and procedures
Manage the general ledger, reconciliations, and month‑end/year‑end close processes
Budgeting & Forecasting

Lead the annual budgeting cycle and ongoing forecasting
Monitor performance against budget and deliver detailed variance analysis
Partner with department heads to support financial planning and cost management
Cashflow & Treasury Management

Oversee cashflow forecasting and working capital management
Manage banking relationships and optimise cash utilisation
Ensure liquidity levels support operational and strategic requirements
Audit & Compliance

Coordinate and manage external audit processes
Ensure compliance with statutory and tax obligations, including VAT, RTI, Auto Enrolment, and PSA
Act as the primary contact for auditors and regulatory bodies
Financial Analysis & Business Partnering

Provide insightful analysis to support strategic decision‑making
Develop KPIs and performance dashboards for senior leadership
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and financial performance
Team Leadership & Development

Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, including performance management
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Ensure effective allocation of responsibilities and appropriate team resourcing
Provide line management support to the internal bookkeeper
Systems & Process Improvement

Maintain and enhance financial systems and reporting tools
Support system upgrades and implementation projects
Drive automation and process efficiency across the finance function
Maximise the use of practice management systems to deliver meaningful reporting and KPIs
Person Specification

Skills & Attributes

Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Commercially aware with a strategic mindset
Essential Experience

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Significant experience in financial management and reporting
Strong knowledge of accounting standards and regulatory requirements
Advanced Excel skills and strong financial systems capability
Proven experience leading and developing teams
Desirable Experience

Background in professional services or a similar environment
Experience delivering process improvements or system implementation projects
What Success Looks Like

Accurate, timely, and insightful financial reporting
Strong financial controls and positive audit outcomes
Effective cashflow and budget management
A high‑performing, well‑supported finance team
Clear financial insight contributing to business growth

Venture Recruitment Partners (also trading as Chilworth Partnership Ltd) is a Recruitment Agency. By applying for this role, you are authorising us as a Recruitment Agency to contact you and to provide services and information relating to job hunting activities. Please see our at