Job Description

Main information

Experience level

:

Advanced

Term type

:

Permanent

Team

:

Finance

Location

:

London or Birmingham

The role

We are seeking a seasoned Group Financial Controller to play a pivotal role in supporting the firm's UK and international growth strategy. Initially, the focus will be on complex, cross-border M&A activity providing financial leadership through due diligence, integration, and harmonisation. As new jurisdictions onboard, the role will evolve to ensure robust financial control and coordination across the group.


Additionally, the individual will have an important role in putting into the ongoing project to transition from our current on-premises SAP ERP system to a modern cloud-based SAP platform. This transformation is key to enabling scalability, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making across the business.


The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in international finance, project leadership, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong track record in financial systems transformation and change management.

The Team

Our finance team is dedicated to delivering best-in-class service to both internal and external stakeholders. We leverage technology, automation, and analytics to drive governance, risk management, operational efficiency, and strategic insight. Combining technical excellence with commercial acumen, we are central to delivering the firm's 2030 strategy.

The firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world's most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve 'Platinum Standard' Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.


We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.




If you'd like to learn more about this opportunity or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Chelsea Simmons at Chelsea.simmons@shoosmiths.com.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Projects & M&A Support

Lead financial aspects of cross-border M&A and joint ventures, including coordination of due diligence with external advisers, risk assessment, integration, and harmonisation. Develop documentation for related party transactions and intercompany charging models. Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Group Financial Reporting

Own and manage the UK and group reporting calendar, ensuring timely delivery of monthly, quarterly, and annual accounts. Oversee consolidated reporting under UK GAAP. Liaise with auditors and, where appropriate, regulators to ensure compliance and manage change requirements.

Systems & Process Improvement

Champion automation and digital transformation within finance systems. Streamline group reporting processes to enhance accuracy, speed, and decision-making.

Budgeting & Forecasting

Collaborate with FP&A and business units to align budgeting and forecasting with long-term planning. Provide strategic insights to the CFO and support board-level reporting.

Internal Controls & Compliance

Design and implement internal control frameworks to safeguard assets and ensure compliance. Maintain accounting policies in line with statutory requirements and industry best practices.

Cash Flow & Treasury Management

Monitor and optimise group cash flow, working capital, and treasury operations. Oversee intercompany transactions and foreign currency hedging strategies.

Leadership & Team Development

Lead and mentor a diverse finance team, which will ultimately include multiple geographies. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Skills & Qualifications

ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent professional qualification. Minimum 5 years' experience in group financial control, ideally within M&A or joint venture environments. Proven success in leading financial integration projects across multiple jurisdictions. Strong understanding of UK GAAP and international accounting standards. Experience with ERP systems, particularly SAP, including system migrations and cloud-based implementations. Demonstrated ability to manage complex financial operations across multiple legal entities and geographies. Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across senior leadership, external advisors, and international teams. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making. Track record of driving process improvement, automation, and digital transformation in finance functions. Deep understanding of financial governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks. Experience in treasury and cash flow management, including foreign exchange and intercompany transactions. Commercial acumen with the ability to translate financial data into strategic insight. Exceptional leadership and team development capabilities, with a focus on mentoring, performance management, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, change-oriented environment with multiple concurrent projects.

Equal opportunities

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.


This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.