Financial Controller

Alpha CRC is a dynamic translation and language services group with a turnover of £25m, operating across multiple geographies and serving a diverse client base. With several businesses under our umbrella and offices in key global markets, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, culturally nuanced language solutions. As we continue to scale, we’re seeking a commercially astute Financial Controller to lead our finance operations and support strategic decision-making.

The Financial Controller will oversee all aspects of financial management, including corporate accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, budget and forecasts preparation, and development of internal control policies and procedures. This role is pivotal in ensuring financial integrity across the group and supporting the leadership team with actionable insights. This position is based in our Cambridge office, where there is a small finance team with 2 other individuals reporting into this post holder.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated financial statements across all group entities.

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to senior leadership, including variance analysis and commentary on performance drivers.

• Develop and maintain group-wide accounting policies in line with UK GAAP/IFRS and ensure consistent application.

• Oversee intercompany reconciliations and transfer pricing arrangements.

• Ensuring the sales and purchase ledger are maintained, correct and up to date.

• Ensuring all the bank accounts are reconciled and the subsidiary and branch accounting is accurate.

• Reconciliation of control accounts such as Salary, PAYE and VAT.

Cash Flow & Treasury

• Monitor group cash flow and working capital, ensuring optimal liquidity across entities.

• Implement cash management strategies, including FX risk mitigation and hedging where appropriate.

Compliance, Tax & Audit

• Ensure full compliance with statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions.

• Coordinate with external auditors for year-end audits and manage audit readiness throughout the year.

• Oversee VAT, corporation tax, and transfer pricing compliance, working with external advisors as needed.

Controls & Procedures

• Design and implement robust internal controls across finance and operational processes.

• Maintain and update financial policies and procedures manuals.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Lead finance system upgrades or ERP implementations to improve reporting and automation.

• Identify and implement process efficiencies across AP, AR, payroll, and month-end close.

• Champion data integrity and consistency across finance platforms.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and mentor a geographically dispersed finance team.

• Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and support professional development.

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with a minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience

• Proven experience in a multi-entity, international SME or mid-sized group

• Strong technical accounting knowledge and commercial acumen

• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

• Prior experience in professional services or language/translation industry is a plus

• Experience of audit and/or audit processes would be beneficial