Assistant Financial Controller

The details

We are partnered with a fast-growing, private-equity-backed business in the telecoms and digital infrastructure sector, building and operating full-fibre networks across the UK. We’re looking for an Assistant Financial Controller to join a finance function that has grown alongside the business and is now investing in the depth and rigour to match.
This is a hands-on number two role. You’ll own the day-to-day running of the finance function, take responsibility for the integrity of the numbers, and act as a genuine deputy to the Financial Controller – including deputising in their absence and leading on statutory and group reporting cycles.

The role will suit a technically strong individual, who is comfortable in a scaling environment where processes are still being built, and wants a clear route to a Financial Controller position.

Key responsibilities include:
* Own the monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and commentary for the leadership team
* Lead on statutory accounts preparation under FRS 102 and manage the external audit, acting as the principal point of contact for auditors
* Maintain and improve the control environment – reconciliations, journals, month-end close timetable, and documented finance policies
* Prepare consolidation and group reporting packs for the parent company and its investors
* Support technical accounting judgements, including revenue recognition, capitalised network assets, lease accounting under IFRS 16, and any acquisition activity
* Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable and cash management, ensuring accurate and timely processing
* Manage VAT returns and other regulatory filings across relevant UK and overseas entities
* Maintain the fixed asset register, including capital project accounting for network build
* Manage the banking relationship and treasury administration
* Partner with operational and commercial teams on budgeting for build programmes and customer acquisition
* Support the annual budget and quarterly reforecast processes
* Provide analysis to support investment appraisal and pricing decisions
* Contribute to finance transformation projects, including system implementation and process automation
* Supervise and develop a small team, delegating well and setting high standards
* Deputise for the Financial Controller with senior stakeholders as required

The successful applicant will be a qualified accountant – ACA, ACCA or CIMA – or qualified by experience at an equivalent level, with at least three years’ post-qualification experience in a finance role where you genuinely owned the month-end and reporting cycle. Your technical accounting knowledge will be strong under FRS 102 or IFRS, and you’ll be able to point to having led an audit from within the business rather than simply supported one. You’ll be an advanced Excel user who picks up new systems quickly, and you’ll have a track record of improving processes rather than just maintaining them. You’ll be a clear communicator who can translate financial detail for a non-financial audience.
Beyond that, experience in a fast-growth, private-equity-backed or infrastructure business would stand you in good stead, as would sector exposure to telecoms, utilities, construction or another capital-intensive industry. Familiarity with IFRS 16, revenue recognition under IFRS 15, or consolidation work would be a real advantage, and an ACCA, CIMA or ACA audit background combined with time in industry is equally welcome. Team management or supervisory exposure would be a plus.