Build a Career You’re Proud of at Fiander ETL
At Fiander ETL Accountants in Southampton, our people come first. We pride ourselves on a culture that values looking after one another as well as our clients. Our advice and services are designed to deliver maximum benefit by helping clients manage their businesses and financial affairs more efficiently, cost-effectively and tax-efficiently, allowing them to retain more of what they earn.
As an independent, director-led practice, we work with business owners and company directors at every stage of their business journey, from start-up and growth to consolidation, succession and exit planning. We also provide personal financial and tax planning advice, helping clients achieve long-term security and peace of mind for themselves and their families.
Being part of the ETL GLOBAL group gives us access to extensive resources both in the UK and internationally, enhancing the support and opportunities we can offer to our clients and our people.
Your Role: Financial Controller
Role Purpose
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Financial Controller will include:
Financial Reporting & Control
- Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
- Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all financial reporting
- Maintain and enhance financial controls, policies, and procedures
- Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards
- Manage the general ledger, reconciliations, and closing processes
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic reforecasts
- Monitor financial performance against budgets and provide variance analysis
- Partner with department heads to support financial planning and cost management
Cashflow & Treasury Management
- Oversee cash flow forecasting and working capital management
- Manage banking relationships and optimise cash utilisation
- Ensure sufficient liquidity to meet operational needs
Audit & Compliance
- Coordinate and manage external audit processes
- Ensure compliance with tax regulations, statutory requirements, and filings including VAT returns, RTI, Auto Enrolment and any PSA
- Act as the primary point of contact for auditors and regulatory bodies
Financial Analysis & Business Partnering
- Provide insightful financial analysis to support strategic decisions
- Develop KPIs and performance dashboards for senior management
- Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies and process improvements
Team Leadership & Development
- Manage and develop the finance team, including performance reviews and training
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance
- Allocate responsibilities and ensure adequate resourcing within the team
- Responsible for the line management of our internal bookkeeper
Systems & Process Improvement
- Maintain and improve financial systems, reporting tools, and processes
- Support implementation of new finance systems or upgrades where required
- Drive automation and efficiency initiatives within the finance function
- Lead Finance team in optimising use of Practice Management system to produce financial reports and KPIs
Person Specification
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Commercial awareness and strategic thinking
Key Skills & Experience
Essential
- Fully qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Significant experience in financial management and reporting
- Strong knowledge of accounting standards and regulatory requirements
- Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency
- Proven experience in managing and developing teams
Desirable
- Experience within a professional services or similar environment
- Experience with process improvement or system implementation projects
What Success looks like
- Accurate and timely financial reporting
- Strong financial controls and audit outcomes
- Effective cash flow and budget management
- High-performing, well-developed finance team
- Clear financial insights supporting business growth
How to apply
If you’re eager to be part of an innovative practice where your contributions make a real impact and your career can flourish, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV to careers@fianderetl.co.uk or simply complete the form below.
