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Financial controller in East England

Financial controller job description

One of the most in-demand finance roles, the Financial Controller (FC) position offers a blend of strategic oversight, leadership, and commercial impact. According to the Robert Half Salary Guide, demand is especially high across business services, retail and manufacturing — with companies seeking professionals who combine regulatory expertise with business acumen.Financial Controllers ensure accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance and strategic business support. As businesses evolve, the demand for experienced Controllers grows, making this a high-impact, future-ready role. Key responsibilitiesManage the day-to-day financesLead financial reporting and ensure compliance with UK GAAP or IFRSOversee budgeting, forecasting and month-end processesManage internal controls, audits and riskSupervise and develop the finance teamPartner with leadership on commercial decisionsBackground and experienceACA, ACCA or CIMA qualifiedStrong leadership and communication skillsProficient in ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Xero, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics 365)Common prior roles: Finance Manager, Group Accountant, Management Accountant, Internal Audit Manager or Financial AccountantTeam structureControllers typically manage 4–10 direct reports, such as:Management / Financial AccountantsSales Ledger Clerks / Purchase Ledger ClerksPayroll OfficersFinance AnalystsAccounts Assistants / Assistant AccountantsThey may also oversee Credit Controllers and support junior staff development.What makes the role rewarding?The Financial Controller role is rewarding due to its responsibility, influence and clear career progression:You play a central role in shaping business performance and strategyYou gain visibility with senior stakeholders and executive teamsYou lead and develop a finance team, making a tangible impactYou enjoy strong earning potential and a clear path to CFO or FD rolesYou can work across diverse industries, from startups to multinationalsThis blend of impact, leadership and upward job mobility makes the Financial Controller role highly fulfilling for ambitious finance professionals. Learn about upcoming finance trends and their implications for leadership.How industry affects the roleThe Financial Controller role can vary significantly across sectors:Financial Services: Emphasis on regulatory, compliance, risk management, and FCA regulatory reporting.Technology: Controllers often support rapid scaling, SaaS metrics, and investor reporting.Manufacturing: Strong focus on cost accounting, inventory management, and production analysis.Retail and FMCG: High volume transactional oversight, margin tracking, and supply chain finance.Non-Profit and Education: Greater accountability for restricted funding and charity commission compliance.Understanding industry-specific KPIs, systems, and regulatory environments is critical for success in each setting.Role differences by company sizeSMEs: More hands-on, broader duties across compliance and operationsLarge firms: Strategic oversight, larger teams specialist functions (e.g. tax, treasury)Sought-after benefitsIncreasingly, Financial Controllers value benefits that support work-life balance, long-term wellbeing and personal growth. Highly sought-after perks may include:Flexible or compressed working hoursEnhanced parental leave policiesMental health and wellbeing supportFinancial coaching or retirement planning resourcesOpportunities for international travel or secondmentLeadership mentoring and executive coachingThese benefits help employers attract and retain top finance talent in a competitive market.Career progressionCommon next steps include:Finance DirectorGroup ControllerLearn more about career progression for finance professionals.

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Salary for Financial controller in East England
69750 - 95500
25th percentile
69750
The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.
50th percentile
86750
The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.
75th percentile
95500
The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications
Projected salaries for related positions Position title 25th percentile 50th percentile 75th percentile Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 133750 182000 214000 Group Finance Director 117500 133750 150000 Finance Director 96500 112250 130750 Shared Service Centre Director 96500 117750 139000 Group Financial Controller 85500 107000 128500 Finance Manager 57750 66750 71000 Group/Financial Reporting Accountant 58750 64250 69750 Qualified Management/Financial Accountant 54500 60750 67250 Director of Audit & Risk 96500 101750 112500 Internal Audit Manager 62000 70000 75750 Internal Auditor 54000 57750 63250 Treasury Manager 70000 78500 84000 Treasury Accountant 56500 61000 65250 Tax Manager 75000 85500 96500 Tax Accountant 56500 61000 66500 Explore more salaries

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