Financial Controller Role

Provides oversight, reporting, and compliance. Often responsible for improving systems, processes, and financial discipline.

A Financial Controller is one of the most pivotal hires a growing business can make. They ensure accuracy, control and clarity in the numbers while freeing up the leadership team to focus on growth.

What Does a Financial Controller Do?

Monthly Management Accounts

Preparing accurate monthly financial reports for internal use.

Month-End and Year-End Process

Managing timely financial close and year-end reporting.

Cash Flow, Budgeting & Forecasting

Overseeing short- and medium-term cash flow planning and financial forecasting.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensuring adherence to accounting standards and financial regulations.

Team or Accountant Liaison

Leading a small internal team or working closely with external accountants.

System & Process Improvement

Identifying opportunities to improve finance systems and internal controls.

When Should You Hire a Financial Controller?

A Financial Controller is usually the right hire when:

You’re Outgrowing Basic Bookkeeping

The business has scaled beyond what your bookkeeper or accountant can manage.

You Need Better Reporting & Forecasts

Your current setup lacks the insight needed to support decision-making.

Cash Flow Feels Unpredictable

Tracking and managing cash has become reactive or unclear.

You Want Consistent Financial Oversight

You need someone to take ownership of finance performance and accountability.

Some companies appoint a Fractional CFO or Portfolio CFO to bring in senior expertise without the cost of a full time hire.

What Makes a Great CFO?

The best FCs are practical, detail oriented and commercially aware.

Is qualified or part qualified (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)

Has experience managing accounts and reporting cycles

Can work with operational teams to improve financial understanding

Has a hands-on approach and builds strong internal processes

What’s the Difference Between a Financial Controller and a Finance Director?

A Financial Controller focuses on the accuracy and structure of financial information
A Finance Director is responsible for broader commercial leadership and long-term planning

Similar Roles

Sales Ledger

Bookkeeper

Assistant Accountant

Management Accountant

Unsure What Role You Really Need?

It’s not always clear whether you need an Assistant Accountant, a Financial Controller, a CFO or something in between.

That’s where our Finance Function Blueprint comes in.

We map out your finance team structure based on your goals, business size, and growth stage, so you can hire with clarity and confidence.

Not Sure Where to Start?

We offer a free Finance Team Diagnostic session to help you assess your current setup and work out what you really need next. It is a no-obligation, one-to-one session with one of our experienced finance directors.

Planning to hire?

At Artemis Clarke, we help ambitious businesses find roles who combine strategic insight with practical experience.

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