Financial Controller

AI overview

Be the first dedicated finance professional, driving accurate reporting, financial forecasting, and commercial performance in a growing design and fit-out business.

Financial Controller – Leeds

Salary: £55,000 – £65,000 (depending on experience)
Location: Kirkstall, Leeds (hybrid options available)
Sector: Commercial Interiors / Construction Fit-Out
Benefits: Profit Share Bonus Scheme, opportunity to build and lead the finance function

About the Business

Our client is an established and growing design and fit-out business with a turnover of around £4m. They specialise in creating inspiring, functional spaces that enhance wellbeing and connection — from biophilic design to full commercial fit-out projects.

As the company continues its strong growth journey, they are now seeking an experienced and hands-on Financial Controller to take ownership of the finance function and play a key role in shaping the next phase of expansion.

The Role

This is a pivotal, hands-on position where you will act as the first dedicated finance professional within the business. Working closely with the leadership team, you will be responsible for delivering accurate management reporting, financial forecasting, and board packs to support strategic decision-making.

As the company scales, you will have the opportunity to build and lead a small finance team, develop robust systems, and help drive commercial performance through sound financial insight and process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Take full ownership of financial systems, controls, and reporting
  • Prepare accurate management accounts, board packs, and KPI reports
  • Lead forecasting, budgeting, and cashflow management
  • Partner with the Board to support strategic growth decisions
  • Manage statutory accounts, VAT returns, and liaise with external accountants
  • Handle day-to-day operations including invoicing, payroll, and debt management
  • Conduct financial and project-based analysis to support commercial decisions
  • Recruit and develop a small finance team as the business expands

Requirements

The ideal candidate will be a proactive and commercially minded finance professional who thrives in a growing, project-based environment. You will be comfortable being both strategic and hands-on, with the ambition to shape the finance function as the business evolves.

  • ACCA, CIMA, or ACA qualified, or actively working towards qualification
  • Proven experience in a construction, fit-out, or project-led business
  • Strong analytical and reporting skills
  • Proficiency in Xero or similar cloud-based financial systems
  • Commercial acumen and the ability to challenge and influence at senior level
  • Collaborative, pragmatic, and forward-thinking approach

Benefits

This role offers an excellent opportunity to make a tangible impact within a growing, design-led business that values creativity, sustainability, and long-term success.

You will join a forward-thinking, purpose-driven organisation offering:

  • £55,000 - £65,000 per annum (depending on experience)
  • Hybrid working options for flexibility and balance
  • Profit share bonus scheme (Growth by Sharing)
  • Autonomy and influence as the business scales
  • The opportunity to shape the finance function and future team

How to Apply

If you are an experienced finance professional seeking a hands-on role within a growing project-based business, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to take the next step in your career and play a key role in shaping this company’s financial future.

IND25

Perks & Benefits Extracted with AI

  • Flexible Work Hours: Hybrid working options for flexibility and balance
  • Opportunity to shape finance function: The opportunity to shape the finance function and future team

Universal Business Team (“UBT”) is a global enterprise spanning 19 countries across the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Central America and Australasia. UBT, headquartered in Sydney, Australia, is a diversified business consultancy that supports clients with business-advisory and group-buying services with the objective to help businesses develop a competitive edge. UBT was launched in 2009 in response to the Global Financial Crisis to support client organisations that were either in distress or looking to improve their competitiveness and financial performance. Currently, UBT turns over $500M (AUD) and has aspirations for significant growth over the next three to five years. A recent decision was made to bring four separate global regions together under the one global brand and leadership team. UBT’s business advisory services comprise corporate training, consulting, recruitment, accounting, and group buying services. UBT facilitates leadership and business excellence for our client’s in their respective industries. Through the group buying function, UBT nurtures mutually-beneficial relationships between member businesses and world-leading providers of business goods and services. The outcome to which we strive is a “win-win” for small-to-medium enterprises and big business alike. UBT provides services and products to approximately 3,000 independent, family-owned businesses globally with combined annual revenues exceeding $12B (AUD). The majority are small to medium sized enterprises with typical annual revenue ranges between $5m-$20m. However, there are also some larger businesses with annual revenues in the range of $100m-$250m. The unifying feature of all UBT’s clients is that the owners are parishioners of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC). UBT (which is owned by the PBCC) supports clients by providing products, services and support designed to increase their profitability and growth. The after-tax profits generated by UBT are reinvested into community initiatives, predominantly through schools (established to educate the children of Brethren families) and charities, such as the Rapid Relief Team (“RRT”) and the Red Cross. UBT Recruitment are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We will apply a rigorous, objective selection process using non-discriminatory criteria, as far as possible on behalf of all the businesses we recruit for.To view our policy in full please contact [email protected]

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£55,000 – £65,000 per year
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