Group Financial Controller

Our client is seeking a highly commercial, technically strong, and hands-on Group Financial Controller to lead the finance function of a fast-growing, private equity-backed data centre business. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring financial integrity, robust controls, timely reporting, and scalable financial processes while supporting the company's ambitious growth strategy.

Working closely with the CFO & FD, executive leadership team, investors, and external advisors, the successful candidate will provide high-quality financial information that enables informed decision-making and supports value creation. The role is ideally suited to someone who thrives in a high-growth, fast-paced environment and enjoys building best-in-class finance capabilities.

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• Lead the monthly, quarterly and annual financial close process.
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• Produce timely and accurate consolidated management accounts.
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• Prepare board packs and financial reporting for the executive team and private equity investors.
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• Manage statutory reporting across all legal entities.
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• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards (IFRS or UK GAAP as applicable).
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• Manage year-end audit processes and statutory accounts preparation.
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• Oversee consolidation of domestic and international subsidiaries where applicable.
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• Develop and maintain a strong financial control environment.
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• Own the company's financial policies, procedures and governance framework.
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• Ensure compliance with tax, VAT, payroll and regulatory obligations.
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• Manage balance sheet integrity, reconciliations and cash controls.
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• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and internal controls.
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• Lead risk management activities relating to finance operations.
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• Lead, develop and mentor the finance team.
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• Build a high-performing finance function capable of supporting continued growth.
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• Establish clear objectives and performance standards.
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• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
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• Support the CFO in annual budgeting and rolling forecasting processes.
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• Provide financial analysis and insights to support commercial decision-making.
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• Challenge assumptions and improve forecast accuracy.
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• Partner with department leaders to improve financial performance and cost management.
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• Prepare monthly investor reporting packs and KPI dashboards.
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• Support covenant reporting and lender requirements where applicable.
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• Produce cash flow reporting and liquidity forecasts.
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• Assist with value creation initiatives and performance tracking.
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• Support refinancing, acquisitions, integrations and exit readiness activities.
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• Drive automation and optimisation of finance processes.
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• Lead ERP and finance systems enhancements.
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• Improve reporting capability through business intelligence and data analytics.
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• Ensure finance infrastructure can scale alongside business growth.
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• Oversee cash flow forecasting and working capital management.
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• Manage banking relationships and treasury activities.
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• Monitor liquidity and funding requirements.
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• Optimise cash conversion and balance sheet efficiency.
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• Support financial due diligence for acquisitions.
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• Lead finance integration of acquired businesses.
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• Assist with investment cases, financial modelling and strategic projects.
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• Support future fundraising or exit processes.
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• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
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• Significant post-qualification experience in a Group Financial Controller or Senior Financial Controller role.
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• Experience within a private equity-backed, high-growth or technology-enabled business.
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• Strong technical accounting knowledge.
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• Experience producing consolidated group accounts.
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• Proven track record managing audits and statutory reporting.
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• Strong financial controls and governance experience.
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• Advanced Excel and financial systems knowledge.
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• Experience managing and developing finance teams.
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• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
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• Experience within a data centre, software or technology businesses.
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• Previous Big Four or Top 10 accountancy background.
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• Experience with acquisitions and post-merger integration.
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• Exposure to international operations.
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• ERP implementation or finance transformation experience.
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• Experience using Power BI, Tableau or similar reporting tools.
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Within the first 12-18 months, the successful candidate will:

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• Deliver consistently accurate and timely monthly reporting.
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• Strengthen the financial control environment and governance framework.
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• Improve reporting quality and management insight.
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• Enhance forecasting accuracy and cash flow visibility.
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• Streamline finance processes through automation and improved systems.
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• Build a high-performing finance team.
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• Successfully support acquisitions and integration activities where applicable.
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• Establish a finance function that is scalable and exit-ready.
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