Financial Controller Jobs

Financial Controller jobs are ideal for experienced accounting professionals ready to lead on financial strategy, control, and performance. As a Financial Controller, you’ll play a vital role in managing an organisation’s financial operations, ensuring compliance, and providing insights that drive long-term success.

A Financial Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial activities within a business, from reporting and compliance to budgeting and forecasting. Acting as the link between finance teams and senior leadership, the Financial Controller ensures the company’s financial health, accuracy, and stability. Your typical responsibilities would include; preparing and reviewing financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports, ensuring compliance with UK accounting standards and regulations, developing and managing budgets and forecasts to support strategic decision-making, analysing variances between actual and budgeted figures and identifying key trends, overseeing internal financial controls and procedures to prevent fraud and ensure data integrity. 

Financial Controllers are integral to maintaining transparency, efficiency, and profitability within a business, making this a highly respected leadership role in any finance team.

How to Become a Financial Controller

To secure a Financial Controller job in the UK, you’ll need a mix of education, professional qualifications, and hands-on experience.

Education

Most employers look for a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or Mathematics as a foundation for the role.

Professional Qualifications

Professional certification is key. Candidates typically hold one of the following:

• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)

• ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)

These qualifications demonstrate your expertise in financial management, reporting, and compliance.

Experience

Experience is crucial for progressing into a Financial Controller position. Many professionals start in Accountant or Finance Manager roles, gaining exposure to financial reporting, team management, and strategic planning before moving up.

Hands-on experience with accounting software (such as Sage, Xero, or SAP) and advanced Excel skills are also essential.

Key Skills for Financial Controllers

To succeed as a Financial Controller, you’ll need a strong balance of technical and leadership skills, including:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

• In-depth knowledge of financial regulations and standards

• Strong budgeting and forecasting experience

• Leadership and team management skills

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking

• Proficiency with financial software and reporting tools

Browse our latest Financial Controller jobs and take the next step in your finance career today.