Group Financial Controller

Job Description

Our client is seeking a highly commercial, technically strong, and hands-on Group Financial Controller to lead the finance function of a fast-growing, private equity-backed data centre business. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring financial integrity, robust controls, timely reporting, and scalable financial processes while supporting the company's ambitious growth strategy.

\n

Working closely with the CFO & FD, executive leadership team, investors, and external advisors, the successful candidate will provide high-quality financial information that enables informed decision-making and supports value creation. The role is ideally suited to someone who thrives in a high-growth, fast-paced environment and enjoys building best-in-class finance capabilities.

Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting\n

\n
• Lead the monthly, quarterly and annual financial close process.

\n

• Produce timely and accurate consolidated management accounts.

\n

• Prepare board packs and financial reporting for the executive team and private equity investors.

\n

• Manage statutory reporting across all legal entities.

\n

• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards (IFRS or UK GAAP as applicable).

\n

• Manage year-end audit processes and statutory accounts preparation.

\n

• Oversee consolidation of domestic and international subsidiaries where applicable.

\n

Financial Control & Governance\n

\n
• Develop and maintain a strong financial control environment.

\n

• Own the company's financial policies, procedures and governance framework.

\n

• Ensure compliance with tax, VAT, payroll and regulatory obligations.

\n

• Manage balance sheet integrity, reconciliations and cash controls.

\n

• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and internal controls.

\n

• Lead risk management activities relating to finance operations.

\n

Team Leadership\n

\n
• Lead, develop and mentor the finance team.

\n

• Build a high-performing finance function capable of supporting continued growth.

\n

• Establish clear objectives and performance standards.

\n

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

\n

Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Partnering\n

\n
• Support the CFO in annual budgeting and rolling forecasting processes.

\n

• Provide financial analysis and insights to support commercial decision-making.

\n

• Challenge assumptions and improve forecast accuracy.

\n

• Partner with department leaders to improve financial performance and cost management.

\n

Private Equity Reporting\n

\n
• Prepare monthly investor reporting packs and KPI dashboards.

\n

• Support covenant reporting and lender requirements where applicable.

\n

• Produce cash flow reporting and liquidity forecasts.

\n

• Assist with value creation initiatives and performance tracking.

\n

• Support refinancing, acquisitions, integrations and exit readiness activities.

\n

Systems & Process Improvement\n

\n
• Drive automation and optimisation of finance processes.

\n

• Lead ERP and finance systems enhancements.

\n

• Improve reporting capability through business intelligence and data analytics.

\n

• Ensure finance infrastructure can scale alongside business growth.

\n

Treasury & Cash Management\n

\n
• Oversee cash flow forecasting and working capital management.

\n

• Manage banking relationships and treasury activities.

\n

• Monitor liquidity and funding requirements.

\n

• Optimise cash conversion and balance sheet efficiency.

\n

M&A and Corporate Activity\n

\n
• Support financial due diligence for acquisitions.

\n

• Lead finance integration of acquired businesses.

\n

• Assist with investment cases, financial modelling and strategic projects.

\n

• Support future fundraising or exit processes.

\n

Key Skills & ExperienceEssential\n

\n
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).

\n

• Significant post-qualification experience in a Group Financial Controller or Senior Financial Controller role.

\n

• Experience within a private equity-backed, high-growth or technology-enabled business.

\n

• Strong technical accounting knowledge.

\n

• Experience producing consolidated group accounts.

\n

• Proven track record managing audits and statutory reporting.

\n

• Strong financial controls and governance experience.

\n

• Advanced Excel and financial systems knowledge.

\n

• Experience managing and developing finance teams.

\n

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

\n

Desirable\n

\n
• Experience within a data centre, software or technology businesses.

\n

• Previous Big Four or Top 10 accountancy background.

\n

• Experience with acquisitions and post-merger integration.

\n

• Exposure to international operations.

\n

• ERP implementation or finance transformation experience.

\n

• Experience using Power BI, Tableau or similar reporting tools.

\n

Success Measures\n

Within the first 12-18 months, the successful candidate will:

\n

\n
• Deliver consistently accurate and timely monthly reporting.

\n

• Strengthen the financial control environment and governance framework.

\n

• Improve reporting quality and management insight.

\n

• Enhance forecasting accuracy and cash flow visibility.

\n

• Streamline finance processes through automation and improved systems.

\n

• Build a high-performing finance team.

\n

• Successfully support acquisitions and integration activities where applicable.

\n

• Establish a finance function that is scalable and exit-ready.

\n