Financial Controller

Financial Controller * - Plymouth / Hybrid - £60-70,000 (Neg DOE) + future share options/performance related bonus 

* Title open for discussion

It’s not often that we’re assigned by an employer whose current revenue amounts to zero! So, if you’re wondering why they’re in the market to invest in an experienced, professionally qualified finance-number-one, you’d do well to read on… 

Trial Balance Consulting have recently met with this new client, a quasi-start-up tech business, who have exclusively retained us to source their new Financial Controller in preparation for the launch of a unique product (something of a global first); a specialist digital platform which will shortly be rolled out to a global audience and is anticipated to generate substantial revenue across multiple currencies. The opportunity is the vocational equivalent of a blank canvas and the successful candidate will have absolute autonomy for designing, implementing and developing financial systems, controls and building the function through ongoing recruitment. This is a full time, permanent opportunity that can be operated on a hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of 3 days per week based in central Plymouth offices. 

The opportunity is so unique, we’ve not even agreed a suitable title, we’ll leave that to the new incumbent to work out. It blurs the lines of Financial Controller, Finance Director and CFO, with a broad range of responsibilities; operational, technical and strategic. We’re looking for a finance professional who would relish the opportunity to project manage all aspects of the financial health and prosperity of a business which is likely to see a complex line of revenue derived from multiple currency payments over an advanced digital platform. We’re not going to bullet-point individual responsibilities because from day one, the technical demands of managing existing transactions is going to be a doddle for an experienced FC (or whatever title is agreed), it’s the development of systems and managing payment processing systems that’s going to fill the working week. The focus of this role is strategy; anticipating growth, budgeting, forecasting, creating robust and effective systems, and acting as a key advisor, contributor and member of the senior management team. 

The CEO’s energy is infectious and he’s a well-connected guy. With a highly experienced tier-one team, whose past experience include executive roles with some highly recognisable digital trading brands, he’s built a passionate and knowledgeable army across all areas of the business - all poised to push out of the starting blocks. We’re searching for finance leader with similar qualities. 

Who would the role suit? This is not a typical finance role and it won’t be suited to a wallflower. By the CEO’s own admission, applicants should be strong minded, challenging and disruptive, even verging on argumentative! The incoming FC won’t have a predecessor, there’ll be no systems in place, and the senior management team will be feeding from their ideas. The successful candidate will need to understand the business inside out; how its revenue model is designed and operated, cashflow, global opportunities and challenges. The perfect candidate: Probably (but not essentially), trained and professionally qualified in practice (ACA/ACCA/CIMA), perhaps with 2-7 years PQE and a similar amount of experience in industry. Experience gained with a start-up or tech business would hit the jackpot, but all sector experience considered. The role calls for solid technical accounting experience in the traditional sense but more importantly, commercial and strategic awareness that can be honed to a rapidly evolving business. The CEO anticipates this person quickly developing to Finance Director or CFO.  

Curious? It’s certainly a unique assignment! For further details, to apply, or for an off the record chat, please contact Jay Vilarrubi-Smith or Alex Callister quoting reference JVS9003. Timing: Fairly urgent, this employer would like to have their new colleague in place by June 23’.