Average Finance Controller salary in the UK

Financial ControllerLocation: East LondonJob Type: Full-timeWe are seeking a Financial Controller to oversee the internal finance function of a SME firm. This role is ideal for an experienced finance professional who is confident in managing financial operations within a small team. The Finance Manager will be responsible for accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong financial controls, and ensuring efficient day-to-day finance operations.Day-to-day of the role:Produce monthly management accounts including P&L, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash flow updates.Maintain accurate accounting records and ensure timely month-end close.Prepare year-end schedules and support statutory accounts preparation.Oversee routine financial reporting and support the budgeting process with variance analysis.Monitor cash flow, manage billing, credit control, and debtor management to ensure timely cash collection.Process supplier invoices, prepare payment runs, and maintain effective relationships with banks and key suppliers.Ensure strong financial controls across reconciliations, approvals, and record keeping.Prepare VAT returns, payroll inputs, and other routine compliance tasks.Line manage the Finance Administrator, providing guidance, support, and oversight.Maintain and improve the accounting system and related processes.Provide directors with financial information to support operational decisions.Required Skills & Qualifications:Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or equivalent with strong SME finance experience.Solid experience in management accounts production, cash flow control, and month-end reporting.Hands-on approach suited to a small finance team.Strong understanding of financial controls, reconciliations, and compliance requirements.Proficient in Excel and experience with Xero accounting software.Confident communicator able to work effectively with directors and non-finance staff.Experience overseeing or mentoring junior finance staff.Desirable Skills:Experience in a professional services environment (accountancy, legal, consultancy, etc.).Exposure to budgeting, forecasting, and basic financial modelling.Experience improving processes or implementing new systems.Familiarity with accounting practice software (IRIS).Personal Attributes:Pragmatic, organised, and comfortable managing both operational and reporting tasks.Willing to take ownership of day-to-day finance activity and work flexibly.Strong attention to detail with a continuous improvement mindset.Professional, discreet, and able to build trust across the firm.To apply for this Financial Controller position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position.

Our client is a firm dedicated to international arbitration—commercial, investment-treaty, and inter-State. Their lawyers bring extensive experience in all types and forms of international arbitration, having represented corporate and sovereign clients in many of the most significant arbitral cases of the past decades. This collective expertise will be brought to bear with substantial, direct, and continuous partner involvement in each matter handled by the firm. They are looking to recruit a Finance Controller. The Finance Controller will prepare and have overall ownership of the firm’s payroll, indirect taxes, financial reporting (month end) and treasury management processes. In addition, the Finance Manager may provide ownership and/or support on a variety of projects that are firm-wide in scope.ResponsibilitiesPreparation of monthly payroll for the UK and France including liaising with outsourced payroll providers.Supervision of monthly payroll for other offices.Prepare all monthly payroll and benefits journals for posting.Maintain payroll and benefits balance sheet reconciliations.Administration of retirement schemes (US and UK) - monthly UK and US administrative tasks.Reporting of payroll data for the firms’ profitability tracking.Prepare UK, Spanish, Singapore and French indirect tax returns (e.g. GST, VAT)Ensure transactions are processed in accordance with UK Solicitor’s Accounts Rules. Ensure appropriate treasury management across the firm’s bank accounts.Support the preparation of accounts for UK, US, Spanish, Singapore and French tax purposes.Respond to accounting, tax, indirect tax, Solicitor’s Accounts Rules and other finance queries.Prepare monthly schedules, primarily for accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, payroll & benefits.Maintain balance sheet monthly reconciliation processes.Treasury management and maintain cashflow forecasts for the firm.Support the annual budget and quarterly forecasting processes for the firm.Support Business Services heads in analysing budget vs actual performance.Support firmwide cost control.Prepare ad-hoc analysis to support decision making for the Management Team.Candidate ProfileA qualification as an Accountant.Experience of working in an international and multi-currency environment.Experience of operating law firm finance processes in accordance with UK Solicitor’s Accounts Rules.An understanding of LLP accounting and economics. Strong analytical skills.Strong understanding and experience of Practice Management Systems (ideally Aderant).Reliable, adaptable and flexible attitude, ensuring that deadlines are met.High level of attention to detail, sound judgment, and logical decision making with a hands[1]on approach.Excellent Excel skills and a good understanding of accounting software principles.Strong communication and interpersonal skills.Proficient at analysing financial and operational data and preparing analysis for executive consumptionImportant NoticeIt is Career Legal’s policy, as a matter of courtesy, to respond to all applications within three working days. However, because of the volume of applications, we are sometimes unable to respond to individual candidates. If we have not contacted, you within three working days your application has been unsuccessful, and your details have not been retained. Please apply for any other position that you may see in the future. Thank you.Career Legal is a Recruitment Agency and is advertising this permanent vacancy on behalf of one of its clients.

An excellent opportunity to join a sizeable manufacturing business as Financial Controller / Head of Finance, leading the on-site finance function and partnering closely with senior leadership. The role offers a broad remit across financial control, reporting, costing and commercial decision support within a group-owned environment.Client DetailsOur exclusive client is a well-established UK manufacturing business based in the Dartford area, operating within a wider group structure. The business manufactures in-house and supplies a range of markets, with a strong focus on quality, operational excellence and long-term growth.DescriptionAs Financial Controller / Head of Finance, you will be the senior finance lead on site, responsible for the full finance function and acting as a key member of the local leadership team.Key responsibilities will include:Full financial control, statutory accounts and audit managementBudgeting, forecasting and cashflow managementGroup reporting and alignment with parent-company requirementsStandard costing, inventory control and margin analysisSupporting commercial tenders and capital investment appraisalsLeading, developing and mentoring the on-site finance teamActing as a trusted business partner to the Managing Director and senior stakeholdersThis is a hands-on role requiring strong on-site presence and close engagement with operations.ProfileThe successful Financial Controller will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with experience in a UK manufacturing environment. You will bring strong financial control capability, exposure to standard costing and inventory-driven businesses, and experience reporting into a group or parent organisation.You will be commercially minded, comfortable operating at senior leadership level, and able to balance robust controls with pragmatic business partnering in an established operational environment.Job OfferCompetitive senior-level base salary (dependent on experience)25 days' holiday plus Christmas shutdownPensionOn-site role with long-term career opportunity within a group environmentA broad, influential finance leadership position with real visibility and impact