Group Financial Controller

High Wycombe, GB – OI plc (Oxford Instruments)

At Oxford Instruments, we enable the world’s leading industrial companies and scientific research communities to image, analyse and manipulate materials down to the atomic and molecular level. With a sixty-year history, and fourteen Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, our world‑class products and technologies are helping our customers to address the greatest challenges of the 21st century.

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal leadership role for a technically strong and commercially astute finance professional. As Group Financial Controller, you will lead the group’s financial control, reporting, and planning functions, ensuring the integrity of financial information and compliance with regulatory standards. You’ll work closely with the CFO and Executive Leadership Team to support strategic growth, operational excellence, and shareholder value. You will also play a key role in shaping the financial control environment, leading transformation initiatives, and mentoring a high‑performing finance team. This role offers significant exposure to the Executive Board and the opportunity to influence group‑wide financial strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Group Financial Reporting & Control

• Lead the preparation of consolidated group financial results (monthly, half‑year, full‑year) under IFRS.
• Oversee the monthly group close process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and transparency.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls, risk management frameworks, and financial policies.
• Ensure compliance with UK Corporate Governance Code, FCA/Listing Rules, and statutory requirements.

Regulatory Compliance & Audit

• Oversee the production of the Group Annual Report and Accounts.
• Manage relationships with external auditors and ensure timely completion of audits.
• Support the Audit Committee with reporting, risk assessments, and control reviews.
• Ensure compliance with tax and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Support

• Lead group‑wide budgeting and forecasting aligned with strategic objectives.
• Provide insightful analysis on performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Partner with FP&A and business units to support investment decisions, capital allocation, and M&A activity.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the group finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Champion diversity, inclusion, and professional development.
• Build strong relationships with divisional finance leaders to ensure consistency and collaboration.

Systems, Processes & Transformation

• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, reporting tools, and automation.
• Lead or support ERP upgrades and digital finance transformation projects.
• Ensure data integrity and standardisation across global operations.

Treasury & FP&A

• Oversee the Group’s treasury and FP&A, managing cash, FX risk, and compliance.
• Support new Treasury and FP&A managers in setting priorities for system and process improvements.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders including divisional finance teams, investor relations, and the company secretariat.
• Provide clear, actionable insights to senior executives and the Board.

Person Specification

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA preferred; ACCA/CIMA considered).
• Minimum 10 years’ post‑qualification experience in listed or multinational environments.
• Strong IFRS, UK GAAP, and regulatory reporting knowledge.
• Experience in FTSE 100/250 or other publicly listed companies.
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management, including Board‑level engagement.
• Commercially astute with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience supporting M&A, restructuring, or defence planning.
• High integrity, sound judgement, and a proactive, hands‑on approach.

Desirable

• Familiarity with ESG reporting and sustainability metrics.
• Experience in industrial, engineering, or technology‑driven sectors.
• Audit background (Big 4 or Top 10).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Performance‑related bonus scheme
• Generous contributory pension
• Private medical insurance
• Company share schemes
• 25 days annual leave + public holidays
• Flexible hybrid working model
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Note to recruitment agencies: Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert, or to any Oxford Instruments employees or other company locations. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.