Interim Group Financial Controller

Our client is a large, investor-backed insurance group with a diverse portfolio spanning broking and underwriting distribution across the UK and international markets. The group has a complex, multi-entity, multi-currency structure and continues to grow through a busy programme of acquisitions, with several further transactions in the pipeline.

The Opportunity

The client requires an Interim Group Financial Controller to provide cover during an absence and to lead the group through a critical year-end period, with demanding statutory deadlines for both entity and Group audits.

The successful candidate will own the year-end close, consolidation and acquisition accounting, and will be the primary finance lead for the external auditors through to sign-off. This is a high-impact assignment for a technically strong finance leader who can take ownership from day one.

Responsibilities:

• Lead delivery of the Group’s year-end close, consolidation and statutory reporting process.
• Oversee consolidation across a large, acquisitive, multi-currency group structure.
• Take ownership of acquisition accounting for a number of recently completed acquisitions, including purchase price allocations, fair value adjustments, goodwill calculations and deferred consideration.
• Act as the primary finance lead for the external audit, coordinating information and responses to meet entity and Group audit deadlines.
• Review and challenge the preparation of statutory accounts to ensure technical accuracy and consistency across the Group.
• Provide technical accounting guidance on FRS 102 and other complex accounting matters.
• Lead, mentor and coordinate the Financial Control team through year-end and audit.
• Partner closely with the Group Finance Director and wider leadership team on finance transformation and M&A activity.

Requirements

• ACA qualified with 10+ years' post-qualification experience; Big 4 background preferred.
• Significant experience within a large, complex, multi-entity group environment.
• Extensive hands-on experience of group consolidations involving 50+ entities.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including UK GAAP / FRS 102 and acquisition accounting.
• Demonstrable experience leading year-end and statutory audit processes under demanding reporting timetables.
• Proven experience managing and developing financial control or group reporting teams.
• Track record of integrating acquisitions and delivering purchase accounting in acquisitive businesses.
• Ability to operate autonomously with minimal supervision and hit the ground running.

Desirable

• Previous interim assignments within private equity-backed businesses.
• Experience of high-volume M&A environments.
• Previous Head of Group Reporting or Group Financial Controller experience.
• Experience managing year-end processes within groups of 75+ entities.
• Insurance intermediary, specialty insurance or wider financial services experience.
• Microsoft Business Central and Jet Reporting experience.

Benefits

Immediate start

6-month initial contract

Salary: up to £115k