Financial Controller - 15 Month

Seeking your next interim leadership role? This 15-month FTC offers the opportunity to influence business performance, strengthen financial governance and lead a talented finance team across a major UK operation. Hays are delighted to be recruiting for an experienced Financial Controller on behalf of a leading international organisation. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified finance professional to join a high-performing finance team on a 15-month fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to an individual with a strong financial controls and governance background, previous audit experience, and a proven track record of leading and developing teams through change. The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening financial controls, driving process improvements, and supporting strategic business objectives across multiple UK locations. The Role Reporting to the Senior UK Financial Controller, you will take responsibility for the effective management of financial control, compliance, reporting, audit activity, cash management, and team leadership across the UK business. Key responsibilities will include: Financial Control

• Ensuring revenue is accurately captured, invoiced and collected in a timely manner.
• Driving robust financial controls across operational costs, capital expenditure and asset management.
• Managing cash flow forecasting and treasury activities.
• Supporting the continuous development and enhancement of finance systems and reporting processes.
• Overseeing internal financial approval processes and controls. Compliance & Audit
• Supporting the preparation of statutory accounts and ensuring all reporting deadlines are met.
• Managing VAT, CIS and other regulatory submissions.
• Leading external and internal audit activities and coordinating with key stakeholders.
• Ensuring compliance with UK and International Accounting Standards. Business Improvement
• Identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and control.
• Supporting long-term financial planning and business strategy.
• Building strong relationships across operational and finance teams to improve performance and decision-making. Team Leadership
• Managing, coaching and developing a finance team with varying levels of experience and different working styles.
• Fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Supporting colleagues through organisational change and continuous improvement initiatives. What We're Looking For We're keen to speak with qualified finance professionals who can demonstrate:
• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification (or equivalent).
• Previous experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance leadership role.
• Strong financial controls, governance and risk management expertise.
• Audit background, either within practice or industry.
• Experience leading and developing teams with diverse personalities and working styles.
• A proactive approach to business process improvement and change management.
• Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards and statutory reporting requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure. Location & Travel
• Based full-time in Southampton.
• The initial period will be fully office-based, with limited flexibility available after successful onboarding.
• Regular travel between UK sites will be required (typically around twice per month). Therefore, a full UK driving licence and access to transport is highly desirable.
• All reasonable business travel expenses will be covered by the company. Salary & Benefits
• £68-75,000 salary
• c.10% annual bonus
• Private healthcare / Medicash scheme
• Generous pension scheme (minimum 4% employee contribution with up to 8% employer contribution)
• Life assurance
• Flexible benefits platform
• On-site gym
• Subsidised canteen
• Free parking Important Information Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must therefore have the right to work in the UK. Interested?