Average Financial Controller salary in Essex

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Group Finance Controller to join a growing, multi-site organisation undergoing significant transformation and investment. This is a high-impact role focused on strengthening internal controls, driving improved financial reporting, and supporting strategic initiatives across the Group. Client Details This is a pivotal role responsible for leading financial operations across multiple divisions and group companies, ensuring robust financial control, insightful reporting, and the continued development of a high-performing finance team. Description You will work closely with site finance teams, the Executive Management Team, and the Group Finance Director, taking ownership of consolidated reporting, systems improvements, and group-wide financial governance. With operations expanding into Europe, the role also offers exposure to international finance activities. Key ResponsibilitiesInternal Systems & Controls Enhance and document internal processes and financial controls across the Group.Review application and compliance of controls at site level (internal audit-style).Develop and monitor improvement plans with site teams to strengthen financial discipline. Monthly Reporting Lead detailed month-end reviews for each site.Prepare consolidated financial statements for the Group.Support monthly finance reviews with the Executive Management Team.Manage monthly intercompany reconciliations and ensure timely adjustments. Analysis & Performance Improvement Provide detailed ad-hoc profitability and performance analysis.Proactively identify and support EBITDA and cashflow improvement opportunities. Accounting & Systems Support Act as a subject-matter expert for accounting and ERP systems, supporting site finance managers.Assist with ongoing rollout and optimisation of Business Central ERP. Budgeting Work with site finance managers to prepare and present annual budgets.Lead the consolidation of Group budgets. Projects & Strategic Support Collaborate with finance and IT teams to deliver system and process improvements.Support Group Finance Director with refinancing, M&A activities, and business integration work.Contribute to finance activities relating to Group expansion into Belgium. Profile Self-motivated, pragmatic and collaborative.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and guide finance teams across the Group - including in challenging environments.Comfortable working with ERPs (knowledge of Business Central is an advantage).Willing to undertake regular travel across the UK and occasional travel within Europe. Qualifications & Experience Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).Significant post-qualification experience in financial control roles outside of practice.Strong technical expertise across financial reporting standards (particularly FRS102) and relevant tax requirements (VAT, PAYE/NI, CIS).Experience managing and improving finance systems and advanced user of Excel. Job Offer The opportunity to shape financial operations across a broad and growing group.A supportive and collaborative culture where continuous improvement is encouraged.Varied work with exposure to multiple business units and senior leadership.Travel across the UK and occasional European visits as part of a group-wide remit.

The Financial Controller will report directly to the CEO and will lead a finance team responsible for payroll, purchase ledger, credit control, and operational cost management. The role is crucial in ensuring accurate financial control over labour-intensive contracts, maintaining margin performance, and providing actionable insight to support operational decision-making.Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Overseeing payroll operations for over 2000 employees across weekly, fortnightly, and monthly payroll cycles Ensuring payroll processes are accurate, compliant and efficiently executedPreparing monthly management accounts and financial reports for senior leadershipMaintaining strong financial controls, reconciliations, and supporting year-end auditsMonitoring labour costs across contracts, teams, and regions, highlighting any variances or emerging margin erosionProducing detailed labour cost analyses, variance reports, and investigating anomalies such as overtime or excess hoursLeading and developing the finance team, ensuring operational efficiency, clear processes, and accountabilityWorking with operational teams to ensure cost-effective resource utilisation and financial disciplineIdentifying opportunities to improve financial systems, reporting, and operational processesSupporting the implementation of improved financial controls and automation where appropriateProviding commercial insight to operational leadership teams and challenging cost performance constructivelyCandidate requirements:Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or highly experienced Financial Controller - Part-qualified is also consideredProven experience managing finance teams in operationally focused businessesComfortable overseeing high-volume, multi-cycle payroll environmentsStrong attention to detail and commitment to financial control disciplineExperienced working closely with operational leadership teamsExposure to facilities management, cleaning, logistics, retail, hospitality, or similar large hourly workforce environments would be advantageousStrong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships across the businessSalary: CompetitiveWorking Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday. This is a fully office based position, with free parking on-siteBenefits include: Health cash plan, death in service, team volunteering days, annual company-wide social events, birthday leave and various in-house schemes to forward hard-work and promote a positive, team orientated culture. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive finance professional to take ownership of a complex operational finance function, influence business performance, and contribute directly to the ongoing growth and success of a dynamic organisation.Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Business in relation to this role.

Our client is a well established SME business. They are looking to recruit an experienced and hands on Finance Leader to take full responsibility for the finance function, ensuring strong financial control, accurate multi-currency reporting, effective cash flow management, and full statutory compliance.Key ResponsibilitiesResponsibility for all Management Reporting and analysisEnsure timely and accurate VAT reportingCashflow management and reportingBudgeting and ForecastingSales reportingInventory reportingAssist the Managing Director with acquisition reviews, including financial analysis and due diligenceCompany Secretarial dutiesProcess improvementsOther Ad-hoc dutiesYou are a hands on finance leader, experienced at operating in a "number 1" finance role, have excellent interpersonal and management skills coupled with strong technical accounting experience. You are happy to roll your sleeves up and get into the detail, whilst being able to provide sound commercial guidance to the business.