Senior Finance Manager (Associate Controller)
Location: Maidenhead (with occasional UK travel)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £80,000 – £90,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus + Benefits
Sector: Pharmaceutical
Hybrid: 3 days office / 2 days working from home
Overview
We are seeking a high-calibre and ambitious finance professional to join a large, global pharmaceutical organisation as a Senior Finance Manager (Associate Controller) within its UK finance team.
This is a high-profile role offering a clear pathway to Financial Controller within 12 months, created as part of an internal succession plan. The position provides broad exposure across financial control, compliance, and commercial finance within a complex, multi-entity environment.
Reporting to the UK Financial Controller, the role will provide financial leadership across UK operations, ensuring robust governance while supporting the business in driving performance and agility.
The organisation operates within a highly regulated, fast-paced environment and continues to invest heavily in innovation, transformation, and process improvement. This role will play a key part in embedding best-in-class financial control while also supporting ongoing finance transformation initiatives, including the use of new technologies and automation.
This position offers a strong blend of technical ownership, leadership, and business partnering, making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to step into a broader and more strategic finance role.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee month-end close processes, ensuring accurate financial reporting and balance sheet integrity.
- Lead external audit activities and oversee statutory accounts preparation.
- Act as key contact for corporate tax and VAT compliance; liaise with external advisors as needed.
- Manage, coach, and develop a small finance team, providing performance oversight.
- Serve as primary liaison with finance shared services, ensuring smooth coordination and resolution of issues.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (HR, operations) to provide financial insight and support business initiatives.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and entity planning processes.
- Drive continuous improvement in finance processes, systems, and reporting; contribute to finance transformation and automation initiatives.
- Embed strong governance and best-in-class financial control across UK operations.
Candidate Profile / Requirements
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or equivalent).
- Minimum of 5+ years post-qualified experience in financial control, audit, statutory reporting, or related roles.
- Proven experience in multi-entity or regulated environments, preferably pharma, healthcare, or large corporate settings.
- Experience managing or mentoring junior finance team members, or readiness to step into a leadership role.
- Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
- Technically strong: solid understanding of accounting standards and reporting requirements.
- Familiarity with shared services models is advantageous.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment with multiple priorities.
- Experience with SAP and/or Power BI is beneficial.
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline preferred.
Benefits
- Salary £80,000 – £90,000 base (depending on experience)
- Car allowance
- Performance-related bonus
- Competitive benefits package
- Clear and accelerated progression to Financial Controller
- Opportunity to join a globally recognised organisation with strong investment in innovation and development
- Exposure to senior stakeholders and cross-functional leadership teams
If you feel the above aligns with your experience, please do reach out. Unfortunately, due to the high number of applicants, we may not be able to respond to all unsuccessful candidates.
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