Finance Controller

Role Description

The Financial Controller (UK) is responsible for overseeing the UK Management Accounts team. The role requires hands-on management of all accounting, financial controls, statutory compliance, and support for strategic financial planning. The UK Financial Controller will work closely with senior leadership to provide insights into financial performance, manage risk, and ensure the company meets its financial objectives.

Principle Accountabilities 

Business Partnering & Stakeholder Management:

• Support the FP&A team on the preparation of annual budgets and regular reforecasts.

• Lead on the preparation of Overheads/Non Opex budgets/forecasts for the UK entity.

• Provide detailed analysis and commentary on financial performance, variances, and trends working with the FP&A team to understand Gross Margin deviations from budget/forecast.

• Work closely with department heads to monitor departmental budgets, control costs, and maximise profitability.

• Act as a key business partner to the senior management team, providing financial insights and analysis to support decision-making.

• Provide recommendations to improve profitability, operational efficiency, and overall financial health of the business.

Accounting & Financial Control:

• Ensure the timely and accurate production of monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of information presented.

• Ownership of the UK Balance Sheet ensuring Balance Sheet reconciliations are completed and reviewed on a monthly basis.

• Work closely with the treasury, FP&A, finance transaction team and financial operations team to ensure integrity of data within D365 and provision of information to the users of the financial information both internally and externally

• Ensure adherence to internal financial procedures and recommend improvements where necessary.

• Conduct regular reviews of financial processes and systems to identify efficiencies and enhance controls.

Financial Reporting & Compliance:

• Provide support to the Group Reporting team on the preparation of statutory accounts and ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and tax obligations.

• Support the annual external audit process, liaising with external auditors and providing necessary documentation.

• Oversee the preparation, submission, and reconciliation of UK VAT returns.

Ensure the accurate and timely submission of UK and industry-related regulatory submission including IATA, AFI, ATOL, TOMS and ONS.

• Ensure the timely processing of payroll for the UK entity.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the UK finance team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.

• Set clear objectives for team members, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide training and development opportunities.

• Foster a collaborative working environment and support cross-departmental collaboration on financial matters.

• Lead by example in promoting a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement within the finance team.

Systems & Process Improvement:

• Drive automation and process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce manual tasks.

• Ensure that financial data is accurate, timely, and easily accessible to stakeholders.

Education and Professional Standards

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent), with 8-10 years post qualification.

• Extensive experience in a financial leadership role, ideally within an international group.

• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including UK GAAP and IFRS.

• Proven track record of managing financial reporting.

• Experience working with external auditors.

• Knowledge of tax regulations, compliance, HMRC and IATA requirements.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent financial analysis and problem-solving skills.

• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and compliance.

• Ability to work under pressure, manage deadlines, and prioritise tasks effectively.

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop staff.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

• High level of proficiency in financial software (D365 preferred ) and advanced Excel skills.

Desirable:

• Experience in the travel industry.

• Previous experience in a high-volume, high-growth environment.

• Experience with regulatory bodies