Whitaker Smith Recruitment
Financial Controller

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Financial Controller
Based: Manchester – hybrid
Salary: up to £75k + Bonus + Excellent Benefits
Whitaker Smith is delighted to be exclusively partnering with an ambitious, fast-growing SME that forms part of a larger, well-established Group, to appoint a technically strong Financial Controller. This is a newly created position designed to strengthen the finance function as the business continues its impressive growth journey. Reporting directly to an experienced Finance Director, you'll become the organisation's technical accounting expert, taking ownership of statutory reporting, audit, tax compliance, financial governance and Group reporting, whilst playing a key role in supporting future growth initiatives. This opportunity would suit an ACA or ACCA qualified accountant looking to step into a broad, high-impact role where technical excellence, commercial awareness and continuous improvement are equally valued.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Role:
- Lead all statutory reporting activities, ensuring compliance with UK accounting standards and Group requirements.
- Take ownership of the external and internal audit process, acting as the key point of contact throughout.
- Prepare and deliver high-quality monthly Board and Group reporting packs, providing insightful financial commentary.
- Manage corporate tax compliance, statutory accounts and regulatory reporting.
- Drive technical accounting excellence, implementing new accounting standards and ensuring best practice across the business.
- Partner with the Finance Director on annual budgets, forecasts and longer-term financial planning.
- Develop and enhance financial controls, governance frameworks and risk management processes.
- Support post-acquisition financial integration projects, ensuring robust financial verification and consistent accounting standards.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting quality and financial controls across the organisation.


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Experience:
- We're looking for an accomplished technical accountant who enjoys working in a hands-on environment and wants to make a genuine impact.
- ACA or ACCA qualified - essential
- Strong technical accounting knowledge with experience of statutory reporting.
- Proven experience managing external audits
- Excellent understanding of UK GAAP and preparing board/group reporting
- Excellent analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- A proactive approach, comfortable challenging existing processes and driving continuous improvement.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence to work alongside senior leadership.
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