Interim Financial Controller | PE-Backed Real Estate Business

Interim Financial Controller | PE-Backed Property Services Business | London (Hybrid) Harmonic are delighted to be partnering with a rapidly scaling, investor-backed property services business on the search for an Interim Financial Controller to run the finance function and drive meaningful improvement across controls, reporting and team capability. This is a dual role. You will keep the finance function running day-to-day across a multi-entity environment whilst simultaneously delivering a structured remediation programme across financial controls, data quality and processes. The business has received substantial investment to fund an ambitious acquisition strategy and needs its finance infrastructure brought up to the standard required to support that growth. This role will suit a qualified accountant with a Big 4 or regulated business background who is equally comfortable presenting to senior leadership and getting directly into systems and data to fix what needs fixing. The Role Reporting into the incoming Group CFO, you will balance BAU ownership across multiple entities with a hands-on improvement agenda across the control environment, reporting quality and team capability. Financial controls and month-end rigour are the immediate priorities, with broader scope across cashflow, systems and compliance. Key Responsibilities • Take day-to-day ownership of finance operations across a multi-entity group, ensuring month-end close, management accounts and cashflow visibility are consistently delivered to a high standard • Identify and address weaknesses in the control environment, bringing structure and rigour across coding, reconciliations and balance sheet integrity • Elevate the quality of financial reporting, shifting from operational outputs toward commercial insight that genuinely supports leadership decision-making • Take a clear-eyed view of the existing finance team, identifying development needs, addressing performance issues constructively and building a culture of accountability • Keep the business compliant across VAT, CIS and other obligations, ensuring nothing falls through the gaps during a period of change What We Need to See (Essential) • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) • Big 4 audit background or equivalent experience in a regulated, controls-led environment • Track record of improving finance functions in multi-entity, owner-managed or recently invested businesses • Genuinely hands-on, with the appetite to work directly in systems and data rather than manage from a distance • Comfortable making honest assessments of team capability and following through on difficult people decisions What Would Be Advantageous • Working knowledge of Xero across multiple entities • Background in property management, real estate services or a recurring revenue services business • Experience bringing acquired businesses into a group finance structure Day Rate: £500 - £600 per day Contract Length: 6 months Location: London, hybrid working Start Date: ASAP If you are interested - to be considered for the role please apply for the role, or forward your CV At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation. At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.