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Group financial controller in Scotland

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 responsibilitiesOversee consolidated financial reporting and ensure compliance with UK GAAP, US GAAP or IFRSManage group budgeting, forecasting, and reporting cyclesLead internal controls, risk management, and group auditsDevelop and mentor finance teams across multiple locations or subsidiariesAdvise executive leadership on strategic financial decisionsBackground and experienceACA, ACCA or CIMA qualifiedProven experience in group consolidation and financial managementStrong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skillsProficient with consolidation and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Hyperion, Microsoft Dynamics 365)Previous roles: Financial Controller, Senior Finance Manager or Head of FinanceTeam structureGroup Financial Controllers typically manage multiple finance teams and senior direct reports, such as:Financial Controllers at subsidiary levelsSenior Management/Financial AccountantsGroup AP/AR and payroll functionsRegional Finance Managers and AnalystsThey 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 performanceVisibility with senior executives and boardsOpportunity to lead and develop diverse finance teamsStrong earning potential with clear progression paths to Group CFO or executive leadership rolesExposure to varied business environments through subsidiary managementExplore more about upcoming finance trends.How industry affects the roleGroup 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 sizeMid-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 benefitsHighly sought-after perks include:Flexible working arrangementsComprehensive parental leaveWellness programsFinancial planning resourcesInternational career opportunitiesExecutive coachingThese perks attract top talent in a competitive finance market.Career progressionTypical career advancements include:Group CFOExecutive DirectorChief 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 in Scotland
88000 - 132250
25th percentile
88000
The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.
50th percentile
110000
The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.
75th percentile
132250
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) 137500 187250 220250 Group Finance Director 120750 137500 154250 Finance Director 99250 115500 134250 Shared Service Centre Director 99250 121000 143000 Financial Controller 71750 89000 98000 Finance Manager 59500 68750 73000 Group/Financial Reporting Accountant 60500 66000 71750 Qualified Management/Financial Accountant 56250 62500 69250 Director of Audit & Risk 99250 104750 115750 Internal Audit Manager 63750 72000 78000 Internal Auditor 55500 59500 65250 Treasury Manager 72000 80750 86500 Treasury Accountant 58000 62750 67000 Tax Manager 77000 88000 99250 Tax Accountant 58000 62750 68500 Explore more salaries

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