Group Financial Controller

Our client is seeking a highly commercial, technically strong, and hands-on Group Financial Controller to lead the finance function of a fast-growing, private equity-backed data centre business. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring financial integrity, robust controls, timely reporting, and scalable financial processes while supporting the company's ambitious growth strategy.

Working closely with the CFO & FD, executive leadership team, investors, and external advisors, the successful candidate will provide high-quality financial information that enables informed decision-making and supports value creation. The role is ideally suited to someone who thrives in a high-growth, fast-paced environment and enjoys building best-in-class finance capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting

• Lead the monthly, quarterly and annual financial close process.
• Produce timely and accurate consolidated management accounts.
• Prepare board packs and financial reporting for the executive team and private equity investors.
• Manage statutory reporting across all legal entities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards (IFRS or UK GAAP as applicable).
• Manage year-end audit processes and statutory accounts preparation.
• Oversee consolidation of domestic and international subsidiaries where applicable.

Financial Control & Governance

• Develop and maintain a strong financial control environment.
• Own the company's financial policies, procedures and governance framework.
• Ensure compliance with tax, VAT, payroll and regulatory obligations.
• Manage balance sheet integrity, reconciliations and cash controls.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and internal controls.
• Lead risk management activities relating to finance operations.

Team Leadership

• Lead, develop and mentor the finance team.
• Build a high-performing finance function capable of supporting continued growth.
• Establish clear objectives and performance standards.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Partnering

• Support the CFO in annual budgeting and rolling forecasting processes.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support commercial decision-making.
• Challenge assumptions and improve forecast accuracy.
• Partner with department leaders to improve financial performance and cost management.

Private Equity Reporting

• Prepare monthly investor reporting packs and KPI dashboards.
• Support covenant reporting and lender requirements where applicable.
• Produce cash flow reporting and liquidity forecasts.
• Assist with value creation initiatives and performance tracking.
• Support refinancing, acquisitions, integrations and exit readiness activities.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive automation and optimisation of finance processes.
• Lead ERP and finance systems enhancements.
• Improve reporting capability through business intelligence and data analytics.
• Ensure finance infrastructure can scale alongside business growth.

Treasury & Cash Management

• Oversee cash flow forecasting and working capital management.
• Manage banking relationships and treasury activities.
• Monitor liquidity and funding requirements.
• Optimise cash conversion and balance sheet efficiency.

M&A and Corporate Activity

• Support financial due diligence for acquisitions.
• Lead finance integration of acquired businesses.
• Assist with investment cases, financial modelling and strategic projects.
• Support future fundraising or exit processes.

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Significant post-qualification experience in a Group Financial Controller or Senior Financial Controller role.
• Experience within a private equity-backed, high-growth or technology-enabled business.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge.
• Experience producing consolidated group accounts.
• Proven track record managing audits and statutory reporting.
• Strong financial controls and governance experience.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems knowledge.
• Experience managing and developing finance teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience within a data centre, software or technology businesses.
• Previous Big Four or Top 10 accountancy background.
• Experience with acquisitions and post-merger integration.
• Exposure to international operations.
• ERP implementation or finance transformation experience.
• Experience using Power BI, Tableau or similar reporting tools.

Success Measures

Within the first 12-18 months, the successful candidate will:

• Deliver consistently accurate and timely monthly reporting.
• Strengthen the financial control environment and governance framework.
• Improve reporting quality and management insight.
• Enhance forecasting accuracy and cash flow visibility.
• Streamline finance processes through automation and improved systems.
• Build a high-performing finance team.
• Successfully support acquisitions and integration activities where applicable.
• Establish a finance function that is scalable and exit-ready.