What Does A Group Financial Controller Do?

WHAT DOES A GROUP FINANCIAL CONTROLLER DO?

Published: Jul 30, 2025 - The Group Financial Controller leads the Group’s financial reporting, ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of consolidated IFRS-compliant accounts, statutory tax filings, and technical accounting documentation for M&A transactions. This role involves overseeing regional finance operations, managing working capital and cash flow, and implementing robust financial processes, policies, and internal controls. The controller also supports the CFO on corporate development initiatives and collaborates with shared service and FP&A teams to ensure regulatory compliance, process efficiency, and insightful financial analysis.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Group Financial Controller

1. Group Financial Controller Overview

Financial Planning: Oversee financial planning and analysis activity.
Report Preparation: Prepare reports, forecasts, and annual budgets for the Trustees and relevant committees.
Process Improvement: Support the Finance Director in identifying areas for process improvement.
Audit Management: Coordinate both internal and external audits.
Policy Compliance: Ensure compliance policies and procedures adequately protect the organisation.
KPI Tracking: Establish and monitor finance-based KPIs.
Finance Support: Support senior operational colleagues and teams with financial matters.
Team Leadership: Lead and develop the core finance team.

2. Group Financial Controller Job Description

IFRS Reporting: Perform reporting activities following IFRS accounting standards.
External Reports: Prepare external reporting, including the annual and quarterly reports.
Performance Analysis: Proactively analyze business results to understand performance and explain the story behind the reported figures.
IFRS Updates: Keep up with the development of new IFRS standards and ensure they are applied accordingly internally.
Management Reporting: Support the improvement of internal management reporting and ensure dashboards and automated reports align with corporate standards.
Data Accuracy: Maintain a high level of data accuracy and integrity.
Audit Support: Prepare audit files and liaise with internal and external auditors.
Impairment Advice: Prepare impairment calculations and provide advice to the CFO.

3. Group Financial Controller Functions

Board Reporting: Provide the board with ongoing, insightful analysis on the financial performance of the group.
Financial Reporting: Be responsible for all monthly, quarterly, and annual Financial and Management reporting.
KPI Reporting: Manage the monthly KPI reporting to EXCO and business divisions.
Risk Control: Ensure the Group maintains a strong finance risk and internal control framework.
Finance Operations: Be responsible for the day-to-day management of the finance function.
Cash Management: Work closely with the Head of Treasury in managing the Group’s cash and funding requirements.
Tax Management: Be responsible for tax compliance and tax planning.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with local regulatory and tax reporting requirements.
Partner Engagement: Support the CFO with active engagement of funding and equity partners.
Team Leadership: Lead, develop, and motivate a team of finance professionals.

4. Group Financial Controller Accountabilities

Financial Setup: Set up financial reporting, budgets, and quarterly forecasts.
Performance Analysis: Provide a detailed analysis of business performance.
Budget Oversight: Oversee reporting, quarterly forecasts, and the budget process.
Variance Analysis: Analyze and comment on performance against the business case.
Cash Forecasting: Forecast and monitor cash flow.
Treasury Management: Manage treasury operations and reporting.
Tax Coordination: Manage tax matters in conjunction with advisers.
Audit Management: Manage the audit process.
Year-End Support: Support year-end activities.
M&A Integration: Support the acquisition integration process.
Stakeholder Management: Manage stakeholder relationships with the PE firm and C-suite.

5. Group Financial Controller Job Summary

Management Reporting: Oversee and produce timely, accurate, and insightful management accounts and month-end reporting for multiple regions.
Accounting Policies: Establish robust accounting policies ensuring effective and compliant reporting and accounting, including tax and treasury.
Year-End Close: Ensure the production of year-end accounting and completion of the annual audit.
Investor Reporting: Deliver investor reporting and analysis and liaise closely with VC investors.
Process Improvement: Review and implement process improvements, driving automation across Finance.
Project Support: Support the CFO with ad-hoc projects around M&A and Fundraising.
Commercial Performance: Drive commercial performance across the business.
Team Development: Build and develop a high-performing Finance team.

6. Group Financial Controller Responsibilities

Finance Leadership: Lead, manage, and direct all aspects of the Group’s financial and management accounting, reporting, and budgeting activities.
Group Consolidation: Be responsible for the Group Consolidation of ten subsidiaries.
Finance Operations: Oversee the Group’s day-to-day accounting and finance activities, including the timely preparation and submission of financial and management reports.
Audit Planning: Plan and coordinate the audit processes to ensure timely completion.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for financial and tax submissions and filings.
Policy Oversight: Review, propose revisions, and ensure adherence to the Group’s Finance Policy and practices.
Financial Strategy: Provide strategic financial recommendations to the CEO and management team.
Team Management: Provide leadership, direction, training, and management of the finance and accounting team.
Stakeholder Relations: Establish and develop relations with senior management and external partners, and stakeholders.

7. Group Financial Controller Details

Finance Leadership: Develop and lead a robust and proactive finance function capable of providing timely, high-quality financial information to both internal and external stakeholders.
Technology Integration: Use the latest technology to ensure the Group has the requisite controls, systems, and infrastructure to support future growth and to maximise cash flow.
Management Reporting: Prepare the monthly consolidated management accounts and KPIs.
Acquisition Integration: Work with new acquisitions to speedily integrate the finance functions.
Cash Management: Manage cash and working capital.
Tax Compliance: Manage all tax and statutory accounts compliance.
External Relations: Liaise effectively and manage relationships with auditors, bankers, solicitors, and other relevant external advisors and relationships.
Performance Insights: Continually develop management information to drive profitable growth, minimise working capital, spot opportunities to improve performance, and mitigate risk.
Performance Reviews: Undertake regular performance review meetings with appropriate Directors to review margin, variance, and highlight trends.
Budgeting Forecasting: Manage budgeting and forecasting processes.
Process Improvement: Identify and recommend potential operational efficiencies.
Practice Improvement: Make improvements to working practices and procedures.

8. Group Financial Controller Duties

Account Closings: Take part in the preparation of consolidated accounts in monthly, quarterly, and year-end closings.
Group Reporting: Participate in the preparation of the interim and annual report for the Group.
Subsidiary Support: Provide support to subsidiaries throughout the Group on reporting and accounting matters.
Company Integration: Participate in the integration of new companies into the Group’s financial system.
IFRS Implementation: Implement new IFRS and financial reporting following internal and external requirements.
Ad Hoc Analysis: Conduct ad hoc analyses during close.
Process Improvement: Improve processes within financial reporting and consolidation.
Corporate Reporting: Coordinate specific corporate reporting requirements with Group Director A&R and Group CFO.

9. Group Financial Controller Details and Accountabilities

Finance Management: Take full responsibility for the management of the finance function on a day-to-day basis.
Audit Coordination: Act as main contact for auditors and manage the year-end audit and statutory accounts.
Account Accuracy: Ensure accurate production of the monthly management accounts and P&L.
Business Partnering: Partner with Directors and other departments across the organisation as a finance business partner.
Forecasting Budgeting: Drive the forecasting and budgeting processes and manage the production of the monthly management accounts.
Cash Forecasting: Manage cash flow and forecasting.
Intrastat Reporting: Create Intrastat reports.
Strategic Support: Support the business owners with mid-term financial planning and longer-term growth strategy, including building out a finance team.
Billing Oversight: Oversee invoicing and reconciliations.
VAT Reporting: Be responsible for VAT and HMRC reporting.
Cost Analysis: Perform cost analysis and maintain the stock records.
Project Support: Work on ad-hoc project work and partner with other teams, including the supply chain.

10. Group Financial Controller Tasks

Team Management: Manage the day-to-day operations of the finance team and liaise with overseas offices, including recruiting and developing future team members.
Control Development: Lead the review and development of internal controls and processes to ensure suitability as the business grows.
System Review: Review the newly implemented accounting and time billing systems to ensure optimal utilisation of system functions.
Management Reporting: Prepare monthly Management Accounts Packs for multiple regions, along with consolidated accounts.
Budget Forecasting: Prepare Group Annual Budgets and Forecasts, and assist the CFO with business plans.
Statutory Accounts: Prepare the annual statutory accounts and manage the audit process for local and overseas entities.
Tax Returns: Submit VAT and Sales Tax returns.
Cash Management: Manage cash for the Group, ensuring sufficient funds are maintained within the business.

11. Group Financial Controller Roles

Reporting Coordination: Coordinate all aspects of financial reporting for multiple group entities to ensure a smooth and well-controlled month-end close process.
Technical Research: Research technical finance and accounting issues in support of proposed strategic business development and expansion opportunities.
Treasury Strategy: Develop a treasury management strategy for the group and provide recommendations to the executive committee to improve risk management and returns.
Banking Relations: Maintain strong relationships with external banking partners in Nevada and internationally, and support end-to-end administration of bank accounts.
Board Reporting: Prepare information and reports for the board and key stakeholders to update them on the Group's status.
Policy Compliance: Maintain all relevant group policies and procedures and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Financial Advisory: Advise management on the financial implications of strategic and operational plans.
M&A Support: Assist in potential M&A activities, including analysis, due diligence, and integration activities.

12. Group Financial Controller Additional Details

Group Reporting: Participate in the monthly and quarterly reporting to Group Management.
Finance Partnering: Act as a sparring partner for the country finance managers and employees in affiliates.
Entity Support: Travel to entities to train and support the local finance department and gather project and business knowledge.
Reporting Control: Perform dedicated controlling of the reporting from affiliates to secure quality in reporting.
Closing Support: Support and challenge closing processes in affiliates and help local finance teams set up, maintain, and develop processes that mitigate risks and increase quality in reporting.
Data Analysis: Analyze data and information to support Group Management in decision-making.
Manual Preparation: Prepare and update the accounting and finance manual and reporting guidelines, and secure implementation in affiliates.
IFRS Development: Work with IFRS and develop competencies to challenge and implement new IFRS standards.
Project Participation: Participate in cross-functional projects such as M&A activities and optimization projects in close cooperation with internal stakeholders.

13. Group Financial Controller Essential Functions

Accounting Accuracy: Ensure accuracy and completeness of the accounting and reporting activities for the entities of the region.
Purchase Oversight: Supervise purchase administration services for the external consultants managed by the regional entity.
Report Review: Review internal and external accounting reports, aging, turnover, wages, forecasts, and cash flow reporting.
Monthly Closing: Review monthly financial reporting (invoicing, payments, closing processes, and accounts review for the entities of the region).
Quarter-End Closing: Manage quarter-end closing process (intercompany flows reconciliation and Group reporting for consolidation).
Budget Forecasting: Implement and maintain budgets and forecasts with the support of the Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team.
Accountant Coordination: Coordinate the closing process with external accountants.
Control Support: Support the Business Control team with relevant information, including the technical design and preparation of system-generated reports.

14. Group Financial Controller Role Purpose

Forecasting Oversight: Manage the processes for financial forecasting and budgets, and oversee the preparation of all financial reporting.
Strategic Advisory: Provide financial advice and analysis to the Board of Directors and Group General Manager on all strategic and operational aspects of financial management for the organisation.
Performance Enhancement: Provide recommendations to strategically enhance financial performance and business opportunities.
Long-Term Planning: Advise on long-term business and financial planning.
System Implementation: Implement robust financial and corporate management systems to increase organisational efficiency, accountability, transparency, and decision-making.
Cash Management: Maximise the Company's financial strength through effective cash flow management and appropriate investment strategies.
External Relations: Manage the relationship with external auditors and banks, ensuring the Company meets all requirements for annual financial statements.
Control Framework: Ensure an appropriate internal control framework supported by relevant financial and risk management policies, including organisational compliance with the Company's delegations.
Team Leadership: Provide leadership, direction, and management of the finance and administration teams.
Regulatory Compliance: Maintain technical knowledge and accreditation to ensure compliance with all statutory and relevant regulatory requirements and continue to expand industry and professional knowledge.

15. Group Financial Controller General Responsibilities

Executive Support: Provide effective support to the CFO and CEO.
Financial Reporting: Manage all aspects of financial reporting, compliance, and advisory, including Group consolidations, family accounts, trusts, and multiple corporate entities.
Financial Control: Be responsible for the financial management and control of a broad range of information provided to the Family and Trustees, ranging from cash flows and forecasts to all systems and Trusts.
Tax Compliance: Handle tax and all regulatory affairs.
Forecasting Reporting: Manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting and forecasting.
Audit Reporting: Report to the Audit Committee.
Audit Liaison: Liaise with external auditors and advisors.
System Management: Manage and develop the finance system.
Team Leadership: Lead and develop the broader finance team.
Business Partnering: Support effective business partnering across the organisation.

16. Group Financial Controller Key Accountabilities

Financial Reporting: Produce timely and accurate financial reports for the Group, including consolidated management reports for the Group and Consolidated Statutory Accounts for the Group.
Audit Management: Manage the year-end audit process.
Tax Preparation: Prepare relevant work papers for the preparation of the income tax returns for the Group.
BAS Compliance: Review and lodge the BAS returns for the Group.
FBT Compliance: Review and lodge the FBT returns for the Group.
Cash Flow Management: Prepare and monitor cash flows and cash flow statements for the Group.
ASIC Compliance: Prepare relevant forms for ASIC compliance.
Team Development: Develop and mentor the direct reports - Senior Financial Accountant and Financial Accountant.
Budget Consolidation: Consolidate the Budget for the Group and assist in the preparation of the Corporate Budget.
Fund Transfer: Approve and transfer funds.
System Improvement: Develop and improve reporting systems and procedures.
CFO Support: Assist the CFO in fulfilling other reporting responsibilities.

17. Group Financial Controller Roles and Details

Business Partnering: Act as a business partner to the senior management and serve as the contact point for the regional offices.
Reporting Oversight: Oversee and manage financial reporting, policies, and internal controls to facilitate strategic decisions across the group.
Accounting Compliance: Ensure all accounting procedures comply with internal policy and legal requirements.
Control Framework: Ensure a robust internal control framework is in place and continuously reviewed to support business growth.
Stakeholder Management: Work with a range of internal and external stakeholders professionally.
Performance Commentary: Provide commentary to management explaining business performance and make recommendations.
Project Support: Handle ad hoc projects and assignments.
Month-End Closing: Be responsible for the preparation of the month-end closing of holding administrations.
Segment Analysis: Analyze the performance of business segments.

18. Group Financial Controller Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Stakeholder Support: Work with various stakeholders, discussing and supporting subsidiaries and other parts of the organization with accounting, reporting, and system-related questions.
Financial Closing: Manage monthly financial closing and quality assurance of related internal reporting, with a specific focus on group consolidation according to IFRS requirements.
Internal Control: Be responsible for the internal control process.
Tax Oversight: Oversee processes for taxes and VAT reporting.
Outsourcing Partner: Manage the relationship with the group accounting outsourcing partner.
Project Leadership: Lead and take part in ad hoc projects.
Treasury Management: Be responsible for the treasury.
Report Consolidation: Participate in the consolidation and preparation of the Group’s monthly report.
Board Reporting: Participate in the preparation of quarter and year-end reports to external stakeholders and the Board of Directors.

19. Group Financial Controller Duties and Roles

Team Management: Manage the members of the finance team on a day-to-day basis and report directly to the Part-Time Chief Financial Officer line.
Finance Vision: Expand upon the vision to be great and make the necessary changes to drive the business and finance function forward.
Control Assurance: Ensure effective financial control across the organisation and initiate changes when weaknesses are identified.
Statutory Compliance: Ensure the statutory returns and filings are done by the team.
Stakeholder Liaison: Liaise with business partners, finance houses, banks, insurers, and others to ensure the business operates effectively.
Cashflow Reporting: Manage cashflow and reporting for all Group Companies, tracking and forecasting investment projects, CAPEX, and board strategy.
Payroll Oversight: Supervise the weekly payroll process and oversee the HR function.
Month-End Process: Manage the month-end reporting process and ensure it runs smoothly and effectively.
Business Analysis: Aid the CFO in delivering effective financial and commercial analysis to hold the business accountable.
Audit Preparation: Lead the preparation of the year-end Financial Statements for the Group and subsidiaries, liaise with the external Auditor, and prepare analyses to enable the financial statements to be audited.
Balance Review: Ensure the balance sheet control accounts are reconciled, clearly analyzed, and understood to ensure the reported company position is accurate.
Budget Coordination: Help with budget preparation and liaise with the Heads of various services and functions regularly to discuss progress against budgets and support their understanding of financial results.
Board Reporting: Prepare papers as required for the Board.

20. Group Financial Controller Roles and Responsibilities

IFRS Reporting: Manage the Group’s financial reporting obligations, with responsibility for the preparation and lodgement of compliant full-year consolidated accounts under IFRS, including supporting schedules and relevant disclosures.
Finance Operations: Manage and run the Finance and Accounting Function in a regional location and report to the head office.
Process Improvement: Design, implement, and review finance processes, policies, and controls to ensure continuous improvement and contemporary relevant practices.
M&A Support: Assist the CFO on all M&A and Corporate Development initiatives.
Working Capital: Manage the Group’s working capital process and cash flow, providing appropriate reporting to Directors and Executive Management.
Tax Compliance: Manage the Group’s statutory and regulatory taxation obligations and oversee the compliance contract with the existing Big 4.
Technical Accounting: Own technical accounting matters, including acquisition accounting for various M&A transactions, and prepare technical accounting papers, managing external consultants.
Ledger Accuracy: Ensure the team maintains finance ledgers on a timely basis, ensuring these are accurate and complete, and structured to provide relevant information to internal users and meet statutory obligations.
Adjustments Review: Identify, prepare, and review top-side adjustments to the financial statements for completeness and accuracy, including intercompany transactions, eliminations, and application of transfer pricing policies and intercompany agreements.
GAAP Adjustments: Ensure local GAAP adjustments are made within the preparation of local entity financial statements.
Actuals Review: Review monthly actuals prepared by a shared service team for completeness, accuracy, and appropriate application of IFRS standards.
Budget Coordination: Work with the FP&A Team on the Budget and Reforecast process.
Shared Services: Travel to work with the shared services team to build an efficient set of financial controls and processes.
Accounting Research: Research and resolve accounting issues, including evaluation and implementation of new accounting pronouncements to ensure IAS compliance.

21. Group Financial Controller Overview

Management Accounts: Prepare monthly management accounts for the local entity for Group submission.
Account Consolidation: Review and consolidate monthly management accounts for international entities for Group submission.
Reforecasting: Prepare monthly reforecasts for all group companies in conjunction with account managers, international heads, the Finance Director, HR Manager, and other key staff.
Results Reporting: Report financial results to department heads and account managers.
Budget Coordination: Coordinate the annual budget process for all group companies.
Cash Forecasting: Prepare cash flow forecasts for group submission.
Working Capital: Manage group working capital.
Compliance Monitoring: Ensure business compliance with group controls, processes, and policies.
Financial Insights: Provide financial information to key management, including sales updates, variance analysis, and sensitivity analysis.

22. Group Financial Controller Job Description

Team Supervision: Manage and appraise the performance of the assistant accountant.
Tax Compliance: Ensure compliance with all applicable taxes and duties, including VAT, payroll taxes, and import duties.
Payroll Review: Review and approve monthly payroll.
Control Development: Develop and implement appropriate financial controls throughout the business, including authorisation limits.
Audit Coordination: Coordinate the audit process and act as the first point of contact with auditors.
Business Support: Work with client and sales teams to improve business results, including maximizing gross margin and improving cash flow.
Expense Review: Review and approve operating expenses.
Project Support: Support account managers in costing and reconciling projects.
Cost Allocation: Support the shared service center with cost coding, allocation, and approvals.

23. Group Financial Controller Functions

Account Preparation: Prepare monthly accounts.
Statutory Compliance: Ensure statutory compliance with VAT, PAYE, P11D’s, and Pensions.
Financial Reporting: Compile and present financial and budget reports.
Performance Analysis: Audit and analyze financial performance.
Cash Flow Management: Manage in-month and long-term cash flow.
ROI Support: Support the company’s return on investment throughout the business.
Financial Strategy: Create and monitor financial targets and strategies, including cash flow, and manage the company’s debt.
Payroll Oversight: Oversee the payroll function.
Strategic Planning: Prepare plans, strategies, reports, and proposals.
Plan Delivery: Oversee the delivery of plans, policies, and services.
Activity Scheduling: Establish priorities and schedules of main activities.

24. Group Financial Controller Accountabilities

Values Leadership: Drive leadership behaviours, core values, and code of ethics to all employees.
Cross-Functional Relations: Foster close working relationships with functional divisions of the business.
Talent Management: Oversee the retention and recruitment throughout the function.
Employee Development: Be responsible for employee development and training.
Career Growth: Promote the detection of talent and ensure opportunities for career enhancement are shared.
Quality Support: Support the Quality Management System, ensuring company specifications and requirements are met.
Process Improvement: Champion and drive process improvements and compliance, promoting operational efficiencies.
System Support: Support system development activities.
System Oversight: Oversee and ensure the smooth functioning of systems to deliver services and define and implement required changes.
Customer Satisfaction: Promote customer satisfaction and retention.

25. Group Financial Controller Job Summary

Closing Process: Participate in monthly, quarterly, and full-year closing processes.
Group Consolidation: Participate in monthly group consolidation, including cash-flow statements.
Reporting Support: Support countries in connection with monthly financial reporting.
Transaction Control: Control acquisitions, divestments, discontinued operations, and assets held for sale.
Executive Support: Support the Group CFO and Investor Relations.
Process Improvement: Drive continuous process improvements within the area of responsibility.
Forecast Preparation: Prepare budgets, forecasts, and cash flow forecasts.
Reporting Ownership: Own the month-end reporting process.
System Development: Develop the group’s accounting software to further automate processes.
Project Partnership: Partner with senior leadership on ad hoc projects.
Team Development: Grow and develop a high-performing team.

26. Group Financial Controller Responsibilities

Closing Management: Manage monthly and annual closing processes, including ongoing focus on the consolidation procedure.
IFRS Reporting: Prepare financial statements following IFRS.
Process Standardization: Standardize and improve processes in collaboration with the regions and the shared service centre.
Policy Maintenance: Maintain the Accounting Manual as well as global reporting instructions and policies.
Technical Support: Handle technical accounting matters and assist the regions.
Audit Coordination: Communicate with and provide deliverables for external auditors.
IPO Preparation: Manage and develop an established finance function leading up to an IPO.
Transactional Finance: Manage transactional finance, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll.
Statutory Reporting: Oversee month-end reporting and statutory reporting.
Budget Forecasting: Lead budgeting and forecasting processes.
Treasury Management: Handle cash and treasury management.
Tax Planning: Plan taxes, including R&D tax credits.
Governance Development: Develop function governance, policies, procedures, the chart of accounts, and the reporting calendar.

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