Group Finance Controller

We are a rapidly expanding, private-equity-backed Group executing an ambitious buy-and-build strategy across the UK fire protection and safety services sector. The business has now completed 20 acquisitions and is entering its next phase of accelerated growth, with expectations to double in scale again over the next two years. This momentum is supported by a strong pipeline of opportunities and a clear strategic mandate from investors.

As Group Finance Controller, you will play a central role in shaping a scalable, high-performing finance function capable of supporting this pace of expansion. You will lead Group reporting, consolidation, and financial governance across a multi-entity environment, while driving the integration of newly acquired businesses into a cohesive operating model.

Working closely with the CFO and FD, you will support post-acquisition M&A activity including debt service reporting, completion accounts, and earn-out management. You will also act as the primary finance contact for acquired entities, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and control across the portfolio.

With acquisitions occurring at a cadence of one every two months, this role requires a finance leader who is hands-on, resilient, and comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast-growth environment.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio finance leadership — oversee internal and external accounting resources to ensure timely and accurate month-end close.
• Regulatory compliance — manage payroll, VAT, and corporation tax compliance across the Group.
• Team development — recruit, develop, and lead the finance function as the Group scales through M&A.
• Cash flow stewardship — own Group cash flow forecasting, monitoring, and management.
• Management reporting — deliver timely, high-quality reporting to senior leadership, investors, and lenders.
• Statutory consolidation — prepare consolidated financial statements and lead the annual audit process.
• Acquisition accounting — lead financial integration of acquired businesses, including systems, processes, and controls.
• Corporate compliance — maintain compliance reporting such as Payment Practices, Modern Slavery, Gender Pay Gap, and ESOS.
• Professional expertise — qualified accountant with 5+ years PQE, including experience gained in a multi subsidiary environment.
• High-growth adaptability — operate independently and effectively under pressure in a rapidly scaling environment.