Financial Controller

Napthens LLP / The Napthens Group; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regional legal firm in Preston is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee financial operations and lead a small team. This role involves managing accounts payable, producing financial reports, and supporting strategic decisions. The ideal candidate will be ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, with strong UK accounting knowledge and significant experience in financial roles. This is a hybrid position offering the chance to shape financial excellence within the firm.

Qualifications

• Qualified finance professional with ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.
• Strong hands-on financial role experience.
• Solid UK accounting knowledge (VAT, PAYE).

Responsibilities

• Lead production of monthly management accounts.
• Manage the Accounts Payable function.
• Oversee working capital and cash management.
• Produce high-quality financial reporting for senior leaders.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Clear communication

Commercial awareness

Education

ACA, ACCA, CIMA (or equivalent)

Job description

Join to apply for the Financial Controller role at Napthens LLP

Financial Controller – Drive Financial Leadership at Napthens LLP

📍 Location: Preston Head Office | Hybrid working (3 office / 2 remote)
🕒 Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (Mon–Fri)
📋 Reports to: Finance Director

Are you a qualified finance professional ready to take ownership of core financial operations and play a central role in shaping our firm’s financial planning and performance?

Napthens LLP is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee key financial processes, including Accounts Payable and capital management, while leading a small team and providing meaningful insight to senior leadership.

Why Napthens?

Napthens is a leading regional legal firm focused on strong client relationships, professional excellence, and a people‑first approach. Our culture is grounded in three core values:

• We Understand – our clients, our colleagues, and our community
• We Collaborate – across teams and departments
• We Excel – in the service we deliver

Join us and be part of a firm that is ambitious, respected, and committed to exceptional standards.

The Role

As Financial Controller, you’ll lead the firm’s day‑to‑day financial operations, ensuring robust governance, accurate reporting, and effective management of cash, working capital, and Accounts Payable. You’ll play a key role in supporting strategic decisions and identifying improvements across our financial processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the production of monthly management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow)
• Manage the Accounts Payable function, ensuring accurate, timely payments and strong controls
• Oversee working capital and cash management, reviewing trends and identifying improvement opportunities
• Support rolling forecasts, budgeting, and annual business planning
• Produce high‑quality financial reporting for senior leaders and the Board
• Maintain sound financial controls, statutory compliance, and prepare for annual audit
• Review and approve payroll reports
• Partner with support teams and fee‑earning departments to improve financial understanding and accountability
• Lead and develop a small finance team, ensuring strong communication and professional growth
• Support continuous process improvement and contribute to key operational and strategic projects

Essential Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA (or equivalent) qualified
• Strong experience in a hands‑on financial role
• Solid UK accounting knowledge (VAT, PAYE, statutory requirements)
• Experience managing and developing finance staff
• Confident in producing and explaining financial information to a range of stakeholders

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in LLPs or professional services
• Understanding of the Solicitors Accounts Rules
• Experience with forecasting or planning tools such as Anaplan

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Well‑organised and able to manage deadlines
• Clear communicator with a collaborative approach
• Commercially aware with an eye for continuous improvement

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re looking for a role where your financial expertise will directly shape operational performance — and where your contributions will be recognised — Napthens could be the perfect next step.

Apply now and help drive the future of financial excellence at one of the region’s most respected legal firms.

NB: A note to agencies: Please do not send speculative CVs for this or any other role. We only work with instructed recruitment partners.