At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.
We are currently looking to appoint a Group Financial Controller to lead our finance team.
About the role
The Group Financial Controller is responsible for leading the Finance team and ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely and insightful financial reporting across the Group. The role oversees all aspects of financial control, statutory and management reporting, compliance, taxation, treasury and financial operations for both the UK businesses and the Group’s international subsidiaries.
This position supports the CFO in shaping the financial strategy of the business and plays a key role in embedding a finance business‑partnering culture across scientific & engineering consultancy, software, equipment design divisions plus the owned Howbery Park business park. The role is central to maintaining a strong control environment, improving financial processes and enabling the Group to operate with clarity, efficiency and commercial focus.
Key responsibilities
Responsibilities will include tasks under subjects such as:
- Financial Reporting & Control
- Audit, Governance & Compliance
- Taxation
- Treasury & Cash Management
- Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning
- International Subsidiaries
- Team Leadership & Development
- Commercial Support & Business Partnering
About you
For the role you will need to demonstrate:
- CCAB (ACA/ICAS/ACCA or equivalent) or CIMA qualified accountant.
- Strong knowledge of UK GAAP.
- Proven experience in a commercial, service‑based environment.
- Strong balance sheet discipline with experience in project accounting and financial controls.
- Demonstrable commercial acumen and ability to provide value‑adding financial insight.
- Advanced Excel skills and strong capability extracting and analysing information.
Desirable Skills and experience
- Experience working in an international group structure.
- Sector experience in engineering, scientific and/ or consulting organisations
- Experience improving financial systems and management information
- Familiarity with UK GAAP and multi‑entity consolidations.
What Success looks like
- Timely, accurate and well‑controlled financial reporting.
- A skilled, motivated finance team.
- Continuous improvements in financial processes and controls.
- Clear, insightful reporting that enhances commercial decision‑making
- Strong international financial governance
- Effective cashflow and FX management
- Finance embedded as a trusted business partner across the organisation
About us
We deliver smart solutions where water interacts with people, infrastructure and the environment.
It’s our exceptional people that make us who we are. A diverse range of individuals, we work together to push the boundaries of conventional thinking. We are innovators, bridging the gap between academia and industry. As a not-for-profit company, we don’t have shareholders; instead our profits are used to advance our research and to develop our people, our tools and our technology. We value the independence this brings us, our business and our environment in the long term, creating a company that we are all proud to be part of.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.
Further information
- Download a full job description and person specification.
- Check out our exceptional benefits at hrwallingford.com/careers.
- Salary range: £85,000 to £95,000 dependant on experience.
- The closing date for applications is 19th June 2026
How to apply
If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing [email protected]
Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter.
Additional information
Our privacy notice for job applicants, available from our website, explains how we collect and process the personal data you may provide us when you apply for a job with us through our websites, or by any other means. This notice also explains how we’ll store and handle that data and keep it.
HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.
Skills Required
- CCAB (ACA/ICAS/ACCA or equivalent) or CIMA qualified accountant
- Strong knowledge of UK GAAP
- Proven experience in a commercial, service-based environment
- Strong balance sheet discipline with experience in project accounting and financial controls
- Demonstrable commercial acumen and ability to provide value-adding financial insight
- Advanced Excel skills and strong capability extracting and analysing information
- Experience working in an international group structure
- Sector experience in engineering, scientific and/or consulting organisations
- Experience improving financial systems and management information
- Familiarity with multi-entity consolidations
What We Do
HR Wallingford is an engineering and research organization focused on designing smart, resilient solutions for the water environment to promote sustainable living and working.
