We are working with an established property maintenance and construction contractor looking to appoint an experienced Financial Controller to take ownership of the finance function across the group.
This is a key appointment within the business, working closely with the Directors and wider operational team to provide accurate financial reporting, commercial insight and greater visibility across the group’s performance.
The position would suit someone who enjoys a hands-on role within an SME environment and wants the autonomy to take real ownership of finance, while still having direct access to and involvement with the Board.
Financial Controller – About the Company
We are working with an established, privately owned multi-trade property maintenance and construction contractor with a turnover approaching £10m and a team of approximately 80 people.
The business provides a broad range of property maintenance, refurbishment and construction services, working predominantly through long-term relationships and frameworks with local authorities, housing associations and national institutional clients.
With an established client base, strong forward order book and a reputation built through long-term contract delivery, the company is looking to strengthen its senior finance function with the appointment of an experienced Financial Controller.
The business has also invested in modernising its finance processes. Purchase invoice capture and bank reconciliation operate through AI-driven systems integrated with Xero, meaning this position is focused far more on financial control, oversight, reporting and analysis than traditional data entry.
Financial Controller – The Role
You will take ownership of the day-to-day finance function across the group, producing management and statutory reporting and acting as the key financial contact for the Board.
Working alongside an Accounts Assistant, you will have responsibility for everything from management accounts, payroll and cash flow through to CIS, VAT, contract reporting, credit control and year-end preparation.
You will also work closely with operational teams, Contract Managers and Surveyors, providing meaningful financial information to support commercial and operational decision-making.
An external accountancy practice is retained for year-end review and tax sign-off, with the remaining finance function managed internally.
Financial Controller – Key Responsibilities
Own Xero across all group companies and produce monthly management accounts and a consolidated group pack within 10 working days of month end
Oversee AI-driven invoice capture and reconciliation, resolving exceptions and refining coding rules
Manage intercompany balances, recharges and licensing arrangements between group entities
Oversee credit control alongside the Accounts Assistant, personally managing escalated accounts and aged debt reporting
Reconcile applications for payment, certified values and retentions
Run monthly payroll for approximately 80 employees, including pensions, auto-enrolment and P11Ds
Produce contract and department-level margin reporting alongside Contract Managers and Surveyors
Manage WIP, accruals, retentions and revenue recognition across long-term contracts
Maintain a rolling 13-week cash-flow forecast and annual budget
Manage CIS from end to end
Prepare VAT returns, including Domestic Reverse Charge requirements
Prepare statutory accounts and corporation tax computations for external review
Provide accurate and timely financial information to the Board
Act as a key contact for external accountants, lenders and other financial stakeholders
Continually review and improve financial controls, processes and reporting across the group
Financial Controller – What We’re Looking For
ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, or an exceptionally strong qualified-by-experience Financial Controller
Previous experience within construction, property maintenance, contracting or a closely related environment
Strong understanding of CIS, Domestic Reverse Charge VAT, retentions and applications for payment
Hands-on management accounts and financial reporting experience
Genuine credit control experience with the confidence to deal with escalated accounts personally
Comfortable operating as the senior finance person within an SME environment
Confident communicating with and challenging Directors and operational managers when required
Commercially minded with the ability to understand individual contracts and their financial performance
Financial Controller – Desirable Experience
Advanced Xero experience across multiple entities
Preparation of consolidated group accounts
End-to-end in-house payroll
Invoice finance or asset-based lending facilities
Job costing or contract management ERP systems
Refinancing, acquisitions or due diligence
Local authority, public-sector or housing association frameworks
Financial Controller – What’s on Offer
Hybrid working – 3 days office / 2 days remote
8:00am – 4:00pm working hours
1-hour lunch break
28 days’ holiday
Pension
On-site parking
Direct exposure to and regular interaction with the Board
Genuine ownership of the finance function
A modern, increasingly automated finance environment
An established business with long-standing client relationships and a strong forward order book
The opportunity to influence financial processes and reporting as the business continues to develop
If you’re an experienced Financial Controller from a construction, contracting or property maintenance background and would like to discuss the opportunity confidentially, please apply with an up-to-date CV or contact Alex Haynes on 07442 070998 for further information.
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