Financial Controller - Shared Services

We’re partnering with a leading international business to recruit a Financial Controller to join the controllership team within their European Shared Service Centre. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role with a clear mandate: to transform and elevate controllership into a best-in-class, insight-led finance function. You’ll be instrumental in shaping how finance supports a complex, multi-entity European operation—moving from efficient delivery to true strategic value. This is an opportunity to step into a role where your influence will be felt across the business. You’ll lead change, enhance control, and develop a team capable of operating at a significantly higher level.  If you’re motivated by building, improving, and leading from the front, this role offers both challenge and genuine scope. Salary: £80 - 85,000 Ref: 16039 Financial Controller – Shared Services – Benefits 25 days annual leave 9:00 am – 17:00 – Office-based position Company Car Salary Exchange Pension Scheme Non-Contributory Life Assurance Private Medical Insurance Group Income Protection Financial Controller – Shared Services – About The Role Reporting to the Director of European Shared Services, you will take ownership of the controllership agenda across multiple European entities, driving both performance and transformation. Act as the European lead for R2R, setting the standard for governance, control, and best practice Own the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of financial reporting across all entities Lead balance sheet governance, ensuring risks are identified, understood, and resolved proactively Ensure alignment across management, statutory, and tax reporting frameworks Lead the end-to-end close process, driving quality, consistency, and reduced cycle times Create a “first-time right” culture across journals, reconciliations, and reporting Oversee the delivery of clear, insightful reporting and meaningful performance analysis Lead the relationship with external auditors, ensuring smooth and efficient audit cycles Own and strengthen the control environment, including SOX compliance Lead, develop, and inspire a team of c.10–15, building capability and accountability Drive standardisation and optimisation of processes across European operations Identify and deliver efficiencies, improving close timelines and reporting quality Champion automation and the effective use of systems (SAP S/4HANA, OneStream) Act as a key link between Shared Services, local finance teams, and Group Finance The successful Financial Controller – Shared Services will have: Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent) Proven controllership experience within a complex, international environment Strong technical accounting knowledge (IFRS / US GAAP) and controls (SOX preferred) A track record of driving improvement, transformation, and team development Strong systems capability (SAP S/4HANA, OneStream or similar preferred) Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role and comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to all candidates. If you do not hear from a Consultant within 5 working days, please assume that you have not been successful. Refer a Friend If this role isn’t right for you but you know someone who would be a strong fit, we offer a referral scheme with vouchers awarded for successful placements (terms & conditions apply)