Financial controller

Aker Systems was founded in 2017 by a team of experienced technology professionals who recognised an opportunity to provide highly secure enterprise data platforms to large organisations.  We build and operate ground-breaking, ultra-secure, high performance, cloud-based data infrastructure for the enterprise. Our proprietary technology solutions drive performance and reduce costs while helping our clients to improve the management and sharing of data across their organisations. In 2024, Aker Systems won the Breakthrough Culture Awards highlighting growth companies putting culture first. In 2020 Aker Systems was recognised as a ‘One to Watch’ on the Sunday Times Tech Track.  The Company was also recognised at the Thames Valley Tech Awards 2020; winning the Thames Valley Tech Company of the year, the Emerging Tech Company and High Growth Tech Business categories.  We encourage people of all different backgrounds and identities to apply.  We are committed to maintaining an inclusive, and supportive place for you to do your very best work. Are you an experienced and highly motivated Chartered Accountant looking for a pivotal role within a dynamic UK-based SME? We are seeking a dedicated Financial Controller to lead our finance operations, ensuring accuracy, insightful reporting, and robust financial planning. Role Summary The Financial Controller will be responsible for the overall financial health of the company, overseeing all accounting functions, financial reporting, and compliance. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role requires a hands-on approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in financial processes. Key Responsibilities * Month/Quarter/Year-End Review Process: Lead and execute the comprehensive month-, quarter and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate completion of all financial statements and reconciliations. * Forecasting and Budgeting: Develop detailed financial forecasts and build robust annual budgets in collaboration with department heads, monitoring performance against these targets. * Month-End Reporting: Prepare insightful monthly financial reports, highlighting key performance indicators, variances, and strategic recommendations. * Financial Accuracy and Integrity: Ensure the completeness, accuracy, and integrity of all financial records, maintaining a strong control environment. * Cash Flow Management: Develop and maintain detailed cash flow forecasts and models, providing critical insights into liquidity and working capital management. * People Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a small finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance. * IFRS Compliance: Proactively research and stay up-to-date with the latest International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) accounting practices, ensuring full compliance and advising on their impact. * Audit Liaison: Support audit preparation and statutory accounts.  Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors, ensuring a smooth and efficient audit process. * Provide financial insight to support commercial and strategic decisions. * Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and internal controls. * Champion automation and digital finance tools.  Required Skills & Experience * Professional Qualification: Fully qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience. * Audit Background: Proven experience in audit, ideally from a reputable accounting firm, providing a strong understanding of internal controls and financial best practices. * Advanced Excel & Modelling: Mastery of advanced Excel functions and a strong ability to build, maintain, and interpret dynamic financial models in spreadsheets. * IFRS Expertise: Up-to-date and practical knowledge of the latest IFRS accounting standards and their application. * SME Experience: Previous experience working within a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) environment is highly desirable. * Analytical Acumen: Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. * Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders. * Leadership: Demonstrated leadership abilities with experience in managing and developing a team. Desirable Qualities * Proactive and self-motivated with a strong work ethic. * Ability to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines. * Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy. * A strategic thinker who can contribute to wider business objectives.   Aker Systems Attributes At Aker we work as a team; we are collaborative, hardworking, open, and delivery obsessed. There is no blame culture here: try things, and take responsibility for the outcomes. You are always part of the wider Aker. We help our colleagues and take pride in successfully achieving difficult tasks. We run towards problems and help to solve them. Communicate always, do so accurately and in a timely fashion. In return, we offer a competitive salary, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, company paid medical insurance and life assurance, pension scheme, annual training allowance, wellbeing allowance, virtual GP, Employee Assistance plan and more. Equal Opportunities Aker Systems fosters a diverse environment that encourages openness in its communications and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status or other personal characteristics. We embrace differences of opinion and diversity because they help challenge us and find new groundbreaking technical solutions.