Fractional Financial Controller

Fractional Financial Controller

MFK Recruitment is proud to be working with a long-standing and highly successful client in the advanced AI and technology sector.

We have recruited for this business for 5 years, placing 4 people with them, and all 4 are still with the company.

Our client is a rapidly growing AI and Machine Learning company, specialising in the research, development and deployment of advanced technology into highly regulated sectors. Their team includes experienced software developers, data scientists, Machine Learning specialists and researchers, and the business is now looking to strengthen its senior finance function as it continues to grow.

They are now looking for a Fractional Financial Controller to join them on a part-time basis, 2 days per week.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Financial Controller, Finance Director or fractional finance professional to join an ambitious SME at an exciting stage of growth.

The role

The Fractional Financial Controller will work closely with the CEO and senior management team, taking responsibility for financial management, reporting, budgeting, cash flow, financial modelling, project accounting and internal financial processes.

This is a hands-on senior finance role, suited to someone who is comfortable working in an SME environment and can bring structure, clarity and commercial financial insight to a growing technology business.

The successful candidate will help improve financial procedures, introduce new policies and processes, support commercial decision-making and ensure the business has accurate, timely financial information.

Key responsibilities

As the Fractional Financial Controller, you will:

• Take responsibility for cash management, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting
• Prepare monthly financial reports for the CEO and Board
• Maintain and improve the company’s financial planning model
• Develop, maintain and update project and programme costing models
• Monitor cash flow and financial performance
• Oversee day-to-day accounting, reporting and internal control activities
• Control, record and report costs across projects
• Work with the senior team and technical teams to develop budgets, project costings and pricing information
• Monitor actual costs against planned costs
• Support financial management of long-term commercial contracts
• Identify areas for cost control, process improvement and financial efficiency
• Support risk management through analysis of liabilities, investments and capital requirements
• Oversee relationships with external accountants and finance service providers
• Support compliance with tax, regulatory and reporting requirements
• Coordinate finance-related service providers such as payroll, benefits and external accountants
• Help implement best practice financial processes and procedures in an SME environment

Skills and experience required

The successful Fractional Financial Controller will need:

• Chartered Accountant status, such as ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent
• Strong experience in a similar Financial Controller, Finance Director, CFO or fractional finance role
• Excellent financial modelling, budgeting and reporting skills
• Strong project accounting and cost control experience
• Experience preparing monthly management reports and Board-level financial information
• Good understanding of accounting standards, tax, VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax and R&D tax credits
• Experience improving financial processes, controls and procedures
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to support business decision-making
• Excellent attention to detail and high professional integrity
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to work closely with senior stakeholders in a growing SME
• A proactive, hands-on and commercially minded approach

Desirable experience

The following would be beneficial:

• Experience working in a technology, software, AI, research, engineering or innovation-led business
• Experience working with SMEs during periods of growth
• Experience supporting long-term, complex commercial contracts
• Experience with fundraising, investment planning or capital structure
• Experience in regulated sectors or project-based commercial environments
• Experience supporting R&D tax credit processes
• Location
• Hybrid working, with regular attendance at the office in Brentford, West London.
• This is a part-time role, 2 days per week.

Why apply?

This is a rare opportunity to join a growing specialist technology business in a senior, flexible finance role.

You will work directly with the CEO and senior management team, helping to shape the financial structure, reporting and commercial decision-making of the business as it continues to scale.

The role would suit an experienced Financial Controller, Finance Director or fractional CFO/FC who enjoys working with ambitious SMEs and wants a meaningful, high-impact part-time role.

Package

Salary equivalent of £70,000 to £85,000, likely to be structured as a day rate of £600 to £700 per day, depending on experience.