Senior Financial Controller

A leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation, operating across major UK cities, is seeking a Senior Financial Controller to play a pivotal role in overseeing financial operations and supporting the strategic direction of the business.

With a portfolio of more than 3,000 beds across key university locations, you will ensure the robustness, accuracy, and integrity of financial reporting while helping to shape financial performance. 

As the business continues to expand, you will also have the opportunity to take on mobilisation responsibilities, supporting the financial planning, controls, and operational readiness required for new developments coming into the portfolio. 

Your expertise will help drive operational efficiency, support value creation initiatives, and maintain strong financial governance across a diverse and fast-paced environment.

Working closely with the wider leadership team, you will enhance systems, streamline processes, and deliver the insights needed to support sustainable growth. With a commitment to building vibrant, inclusive student communities, the culture at head office reflects collaboration, empowerment, and a shared ambition to continually improve.

You will take ownership of core financial controls, deliver high-quality reporting, and support strategic initiatives that contribute to both current performance and future expansion.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day financial operations, including accounting, reporting, budgeting, and planning, ensuring accuracy and timeliness across all outputs.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, financial reporting frameworks, and management information systems to safeguard assets and support business integrity.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts, statutory accounts, cash flow forecasts, and regular performance reporting (weekly, monthly, quarterly).
• Manage cash flow processes and support banking relationship management to ensure strong liquidity and operational resilience.
• Drive improvements to finance systems, processes, and controls to enhance efficiency and unlock long-term value.
• Support the financial planning cycle, including budgeting and forecasting, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives.
• Provide commercial analysis and financial insight to aid investment appraisals, operational decision-making, and business growth.
• Contribute to mobilisation activities for new developments—supporting financial modelling, controls implementation, operational readiness, and integration into the existing portfolio.
• Liaise with external stakeholders—auditors, banks, and investors—ensuring timely delivery of financial information and maintaining strong working relationships.
• Support operational teams and contribute to the success of capital projects and investment programmes through clear financial oversight.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.