The Financial Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the organisation and ensuring accurate, transparent, and timely reporting to private equity (PE) stakeholders or other investors. This role involves maintaining financial controls, preparing performance reports, and supporting strategic financial planning aligned with investor requirements. The Financial Controller is a key liaison between the company’s management team and its PE or investment partners, ensuring financial strategies support growth and value creation.
Job Descriptions:
1. Financial Reporting & Investor Relations
- Prepare and deliver detailed financial reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual updates, tailored to PE/investor requirements.
- Develop and maintain dashboards, KPIs, and performance metrics to provide actionable insights to PE or investors.
- Respond to ad hoc financial analysis requests and provide transparency regarding the company’s financial performance.
- Support and coordinate with PE or investors during portfolio reviews, board meetings, and strategy sessions.
2. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning
- Lead the annual budgeting process and develop robust financial forecasts in collaboration with key business units.
- Provide variance analysis with explanations and recommendations for mitigating risks or capitalising on opportunities.
- Align financial planning processes with the long-term objectives of PE or investment partners.
3. Financial Operations & Controls
- Ensure robust financial control systems are in place to safeguard company assets and comply with regulatory requirements.
- Oversee accounting operations, including revenue recognition, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and cash management.
- Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of financial data across the organisation.
4. Strategic Advisory
- Partner with PE or investors to analyse capital allocation, funding requirements, and ROI for strategic initiatives.
- Provide insights on cost structures, operational efficiencies, and profitability enhancements.
- Support due diligence processes for M&A activities, divestitures, or capital raises as required by investors.
5. Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with tax regulations, audit requirements, and relevant financial reporting standards.
- Lead external and internal audits, addressing any issues raised by auditors or investors.
- Monitor and mitigate financial risks, including currency, liquidity, and operational risks.
6. Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with PE or investor representatives, acting as the primary financial point of contact.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment with investor expectations and reporting standards.
- Coordinate investor requests and communicate financial insights in a clear and concise manner.
7. Leadership
- Manage, mentor, and develop the finance team, ensuring high standards of performance and continuous professional growth.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making within the finance department
Requirements:
1. Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field (Master’s degree or MBA preferred).
- Professional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, or CFA are highly desirable.
2. Experience
- 8+ years of experience in finance, with at least 3-5 years in roles involving private equity or investor reporting.
- Proven track record of working with PE firms, investors, or on portfolio company reporting.
- Strong knowledge of financial controls, reporting, and compliance in a PE-backed or investment-heavy environment.
3. Skills
- Advanced expertise in financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Proficiency in ERP systems, financial software, and Excel.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience in presenting to senior management or investors.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under tight deadlines.