Head of Finance

Title: Financial Controller

Location: Central London (hybrid)

Salary: £110,000 - £130,000 + Generous Discretionary Bonus & Benefits

Reporting to: Chief Financial Officer

Our client is a leading global shipping and commodities trading group with a significant international presence and a strong reputation within the market. As part of their continued growth and increasing operational complexity, they are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join their Central London headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting across multiple international entities
• Oversee the preparation of statutory accounts in line with IFRS and relevant local GAAP requirements
• Maintain and enhance robust financial controls, governance frameworks, and compliance procedures across the group
• Manage and develop the finance team, supporting performance, progression, and operational excellence
• Partner with the CFO and senior leadership team to deliver insightful financial analysis and performance reporting
• Ensure balance sheet integrity through detailed reconciliations, reviews, and proactive risk management
• Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, controls, systems, and reporting capabilities
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning processes
• Manage relationships with external auditors and lead the year-end audit process
• Oversee treasury reporting, working capital management, and liquidity monitoring
• Provide technical accounting guidance on complex transactions, including trading activities, shipping contracts, and international structures
• Ensure compliance with tax, regulatory, and financial reporting requirements across multiple jurisdictions
• Support strategic initiatives including acquisitions, restructurings, and international expansion

Candidate Requirements

• ACA, ACCA, or equivalent qualification
• Big 4 / Top 10 audit background strongly preferred
• Proven track record in a Financial Controller, Group Reporting, or senior finance role within an international organisation
• Experience within shipping, commodities trading, logistics, or a similarly complex global business is highly advantageous
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, financial controls, and multi-entity reporting structures
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing high-performing finance teams
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership across regions
• High level of accuracy, commercial awareness, and ownership across all aspects of financial control and reporting
• Experience operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and internationally complex environment