Group Commercial Financial Controller

My client, a leading leading not-for-profit organisation, is seeking a Group Commercial Financial Controller to join their Manchester-based finance team on a 12-month maternity cover, offering a high-impact opportunity within an established Group function.

This is a senior role within the Group finance function, combining technical accounting, financial control and commercial insight. The Group Commercial Financial Controller will play a key role in maintaining strong financial governance while leading a high-performing team and driving improvements across the wider finance function.

Working closely with senior stakeholders and the wider business, the role will support strategic initiatives including productivity improvements and acquisition integration. It offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance leader to make a tangible impact across a complex group environment.

What you'll do:

• Lead month-end and year-end reporting, external audits and the preparation of high-quality statutory accounts.
• Lead, manage and develop a high-performing finance team, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives and performance standards.
• Oversee actuals reporting and balance sheet management, maintaining accuracy, strong controls and clear financial insight.
• Develop and maintain a robust internal control framework across the Group, including subsidiary controls and transfer pricing.
• Own the Group external audit process, ensuring timely delivery of accurate and high-quality statutory accounts.
• Oversee cash management and long-term invested funds, making informed decisions to optimise liquidity and returns.
• Manage VAT processes, ensuring compliance and maximising recovery opportunities.
• Champion finance transformation and process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and effectiveness across the function.
• Lead the development of budgets, forecasts and medium-term financial plans, providing analysis and insight to support commercial and strategic decision-making.
• Support the integration of acquisitions into the wider Group structure, working closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
• Provide financial insight and constructive challenge to senior leadership, helping to strengthen financial awareness and decision-making across the business.

What you'll bring:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification is essential, with strong technical accounting knowledge.
• Proven experience in a senior Financial Controller, Group Financial Controller or equivalent role within a complex organisation or group environment.
• Strong knowledge of technical accounting standards, particularly FRS 102, alongside experience in statutory reporting and audit.
• A proven track record of leading and developing high-performing finance teams.
• Experience strengthening financial controls, governance frameworks and finance processes across a complex organisation.
• Strong commercial and strategic thinking, with the confidence to provide insight and challenge at senior and Board level.
• Experience supporting acquisition integration and working across multiple entities or business units.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across Finance and the wider business.
• A continuous improvement mindset, with experience leading change, transformation and process enhancement initiatives.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to translate financial information into clear, commercially relevant insight.
• A proactive and accountable leadership style, with a genuine focus on developing people and embedding a strong culture of financial control.

To apply for this fantastic opportunity, please get in touch today!

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates