Interim Financial Controller Interim

Cedar is currently partnered with a PE-backed, high-growth services business to secure an Interim Financial Controller on an initial 6-month contract basis.

The role is based in the South East with a hybrid working model. Regular travel across London and Cambridge will be required.

The Business

Backed by PE, the business has experienced significant growth through both organic expansion and acquisition activity and is now entering a key stage of operational integration and finance transformation.

The organisation operates across a complex multi-entity structure and is focused on improving reporting quality, strengthening controls, enhancing finance processes and building a scalable finance function capable of supporting continued buy-and-build growth.

The environment is fast-paced, evolving and operationally intensive, with a strong focus on finance stability, audit readiness, integration and scalable reporting infrastructure.

The Role

As Interim Financial Controller, responsibilities are likely to include:

• Leading the delivery of accurate and timely consolidated monthly management accounts across a complex multi-entity group
• Supporting the year-end audit process, acting as a key contact for external auditors and improving audit readiness across the business
• Driving improvements in balance sheet integrity, reconciliations, controls and overall reporting quality
• Improving month-end close processes, reporting timelines and finance function efficiency
• Supporting finance process standardisation across newly acquired and existing entities
• Assisting with integration activity following recent acquisitions, including alignment of reporting processes and financial controls
• Supporting ERP improvement and wider finance systems optimisation initiatives
• Delivering board and investor reporting, including variance analysis, KPI reporting and cashflow forecasting
• Partnering with operational leadership teams to improve visibility around margins, working capital and business performance
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting and longer-term financial planning processes
• Leading and mentoring finance teams through periods of change and organisational development
• Supporting value creation initiatives focused on operational efficiency, reporting scalability and cash generation
• Assisting with technical accounting, consolidation and multi-entity reporting requirements
• Supporting any future refinancing, due diligence or exit preparation activity where required

Your Profile

• Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CA or equivalent)
• Strong experience operating as a Group Financial Controller or senior finance lead within PE-backed, buy-and-build or high-growth environments
• Proven background across complex, multi-entity group structures
• Strong technical accounting and audit management capability
• Experience improving controls, reporting processes and finance function effectiveness
• Exposure to acquisition integration, finance transformation or ERP/system improvement projects
• Strong operational finance capability, including cashflow and working capital management
• Comfortable operating within fast-paced businesses undergoing change and growth
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to partner effectively with CFOs, operational leadership teams and investors
• Hands-on approach with the ability to balance BAU delivery alongside project and transformation work

The role is likely to suit an experienced interim finance professional with exposure to PE-backed services or operationally intensive businesses, particularly those that have operated within buy-and-build environments.