Financial Controller

Financial Controller Watford, Hertfordshire (Hybrid Working) £75,000 - £85,000 + Discretionary Bonus MSS Infrastructure is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Financial Controller to join our growing business based in Watford. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this is a key leadership role responsible for the financial control, reporting, compliance and operational performance of the finance function. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting business growth, delivering financial insight and helping drive the continued evolution of our finance systems, reporting capability and automation strategy. This opportunity is ideal for a technically strong Financial Controller who is equally comfortable leading a finance team, supporting strategic decision-making and improving processes through technology and automation. The Role You will oversee the day-to-day operation of the finance function whilst ensuring that all financial reporting complies with FRS 102 and UK GAAP requirements. The role includes ownership of management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, statutory compliance, audit coordination, cashflow management and financial controls. Working closely with the Finance Director and wider leadership team, you will help strengthen financial governance, improve business intelligence and support financial performance across the organisation. Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the finance function, including management accounting and transactional finance activities.
• Producing monthly management accounts, forecasts, budgets and financial analysis.
• Managing statutory reporting, audits and regulatory compliance.
• Overseeing VAT, PSA, PAYE, corporation tax support and HMRC reporting requirements.
• Ensuring accurate revenue recognition assessments and compliance with relevant accounting standards.
• Managing cashflow forecasting and working capital performance.
• Developing and strengthening financial controls, processes and reporting frameworks.
• Supporting business transformation, finance systems development and automation initiatives.
• Leading, mentoring and developing a small finance team.
• Providing financial insight and challenge to support strategic decision-making. About You We are looking for a hands-on finance leader with strong commercial awareness and a proven track record within recruitment, staffing, workforce solutions, labour supply or contractor-led businesses. You will be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment and passionate about using technology to improve efficiency, reporting quality and decision-making. Essential Requirements
• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Significant experience as a Financial Controller, Senior Finance Manager or equivalent senior finance position.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge including FRS 102 and UK GAAP.
• Experience managing statutory accounts, audits and tax compliance.
• Strong background in forecasting, budgeting and financial reporting.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience managing and developing finance teams.
• Demonstrable experience improving financial processes, controls and reporting frameworks.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence operational and strategic decisions. Highly Desirable
• Experience within recruitment, temporary labour, contract staffing, engineering, rail, infrastructure or workforce solutions sectors.
• Knowledge of revenue recognition requirements under FRS 102 Section 23 and IFRS 15 principles.
• Experience delivering finance transformation projects.
• Experience implementing or enhancing finance systems.
• Sage Intacct and DataRails experience.
• Exposure to reporting automation, system integrations, workflow improvement and AI-enabled finance processes. Why Join MSS Infrastructure? This is more than a traditional Financial Controller position. You will join a growing infrastructure workforce solutions business where finance is viewed as a key contributor to operational and commercial success. We are investing in technology, automation and business intelligence, and we are looking for a finance leader who wants to help shape the future of the function.