Group financial controller

Group financial controller job description

The Group Financial Controller oversees multiple entities within a business, providing strategic oversight, leadership and consolidated financial reporting. According to the Robert Half Salary Guide, Group Financial Controllers are highly valued for their ability to manage complex accounting environments, regulatory requirements and strategic initiatives across various subsidiaries.

They ensure group-wide accuracy in financial statements, regulatory compliance and provide critical insights for strategic decision-making. As organisations grow through acquisitions and expansions, this role becomes essential for maintaining financial integrity and facilitating growth. Demand for Group Financial Controllers is particularly strong in business services, manufacturing and healthcare, where the ability to manage complexity and deliver reliable insights is key to supporting sustainable growth.

Key responsibilities

Oversee consolidated financial reporting and ensure compliance with UK GAAP, US GAAP or IFRS

Manage group budgeting, forecasting, and reporting cycles

Lead internal controls, risk management, and group audits

Develop and mentor finance teams across multiple locations or subsidiaries

Advise executive leadership on strategic financial decisions

Background and experience

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified

Proven experience in group consolidation and financial management

Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills

Proficient with consolidation and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Hyperion, Microsoft Dynamics 365)

Previous roles: Financial Controller, Senior Finance Manager or Head of Finance

Team structure

Group Financial Controllers typically manage multiple finance teams and senior direct reports, such as:

Financial Controllers at subsidiary levels

Senior Management/Financial Accountants

Group AP/AR and payroll functions

Regional Finance Managers and Analysts

They often coordinate closely with local finance teams, ensuring alignment and consistency across the group.

What makes the role rewarding?

The Group Financial Controller role offers high responsibility, visibility and strategic impact:

Influence over business-wide strategy and performance

Visibility with senior executives and boards

Opportunity to lead and develop diverse finance teams

Strong earning potential with clear progression paths to Group CFO or executive leadership roles

Exposure to varied business environments through subsidiary management

Explore more about upcoming finance trends.

How industry affects the role

Group Financial Controller responsibilities vary significantly by sector:

Financial Services: Emphasis on complex regulatory compliance and risk management.

Technology: Managing rapid growth, investment rounds, and global scaling.

Manufacturing: Focus on consolidated inventory management, cost controls, and operational efficiencies.

Retail and FMCG: Group-level oversight of supply chains, margins, and multi-region performance.

Non-Profit and Education: Management of consolidated funding streams and reporting transparency.

Role differences by company size

Mid-sized groups: Direct oversight of fewer subsidiaries, hands-on consolidation tasks.

Large multinational groups: Strategic leadership with extensive delegation and cross-border coordination.

Sought-after benefits

Highly sought-after perks include:

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive parental leave

Wellness programs

Financial planning resources

International career opportunities

Executive coaching

These perks attract top talent in a competitive finance market.

Career progression

Typical career advancements include:

Group CFO

Executive Director

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

CEO (less common but viable with significant strategic experience)

Learn more about finance career progression.

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Salary for Group financial controller

76250 - 106500

25th percentile

76250

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

85000

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

106500

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) - Financial Services

133250

177500

225000

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

132500

176500

220500

Group Finance Director

106750

131500

162500

Finance Director - Financial Services

99000

118750

149000

Finance Director

89750

109500

138000

Shared Service Centre Director

84250

112500

133000

Financial Controller - Financial Services

70000

89250

100750

Financial Controller

63000

76750

92500

Fund Controller - Financial Services

70000

77250

92000

Senior Finance Business Partner

61500

72750

82000

Finance Business Partner - Financial Services

52500

57250

71750

Finance Business Partner

54500

59750

66250

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Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job seekers our recruiters have matched with companies across the country, in addition to 350,000 third-party vacancies data from Textkernel for independent validation.

The Salary Guide From Robert Half is the original. We’ve been publishing salary forecasts since 1950, and our guide has served as a trusted source for employers, job seekers, industry associations, government and educational institutions, and national and local media.