Are you a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys partnering with the business, challenging performance and driving value? Do you want to use your financial expertise to support a leading consultancy on its journey towards a more sustainable future?

Hays are recruiting a Business Controller on behalf of a major global consultancy, based in Southampton, offering flexible working, a great benefits package and clear career development in the future.

Your new role
As Business Controller, you will join a specialist Business Finance team supporting the UK business and collaborating closely with colleagues across the UK and internationally. You will be a key partner to senior management, providing insightful financial analysis, challenge and guidance to support decision-making and improve performance.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Business Controlling & Advisory
*Act as a proactive, forward-looking finance partner focused on value creation
*Attend management meetings and present financial results and insights
*Proactively identify and flag risks and opportunities, and follow up on agreed actions
*Manage and analyse working capital, including WIP analysis and contingency management
Reporting & Analysis
*Oversee Income Statement reporting and deliver clear variance analysis
*Perform root cause analysis on key drivers including staff costs, margins, billing ratio and non-productive time
*Prepare management reporting packs and commentary for senior stakeholders
*Support ad hoc financial reporting, including year-end audit requirements
*Lead project analysis and reporting, including customer and project profitability, project mix versus targets, and risk/opportunity assessment
Planning & Forecasting
*Manage the budgeting and forecasting process in consultation with business leaders
*Ensure budgets and forecasts are robust, accurate and owned by management
Continuous Improvement
*Take an active lead in identifying and implementing finance and process improvement initiatives
*Contribute to enhancing tools, reporting and ways of working across the Business Finance team

What you’ll need to succeed
*A strong academic background with a recognised professional finance qualification (ACA, CIMA or equivalent) or working towards
*Proven commercial finance / business partnering experience
*Good understanding of project accounting, financial and management accounting principles
*Strong analytical and financial modelling skills, particularly in Excel
*The ability to engage, challenge and influence stakeholders at all levels while maintaining strong commercial awareness
*A collaborative approach with the ability to build positive business relationships

What you’ll get in return
You will join a forward-thinking, foundation-owned consultancy with a strong focus on sustainability, responsibility and long-term value.

Benefits package will include:
*A flexible, hybrid working environment
*Competitive employer pension contribution
*Life assurance / death in service
*Income protection insurance
*Annual bonus scheme (performance-based)
*Option to buy or sell holiday
*Enhanced family leave policies (maternity, adoption, paternity)
*Private medical insurance or medical cash plan (role-dependent)
*Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
*Cycle to Work scheme
*Season ticket loans
*Discount platform / employee perks portal
*Charity volunteering opportunities
You can also expect:
*Ongoing investment in your professional development
*Supportive leaders who are guided by clear leadership principles
*An inclusive, open and collaborative culture where you are valued as an individual
*The opportunity to work on inspiring projects alongside experts across buildings and related sectors
*The organisation is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and characteristics, and providing a supportive environment where everyone can flourish.

What you need to do now
If you’re interested in this Business Controller opportunity in Southampton and feel you have the skills and experience to succeed, please apply with your CV today or give me a call to discuss the role in more detail.
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