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Financial Controller

Greater London, SouthEast E1, United Kingdom • Full-time
AI Job Summary
  • 5+ years in a commercial accounting role (essential).
  • CA/ACA qualified (essential).
  • Must have the right to work in the UK; sponsorship not available.

Role Type

Permanent • Full-time • Mid-level Senior

Description

 About Smokeball   With offices in Australia, the US, and the UK, Smokeball is a global leader in legal practice management software, proudly supporting small and mid-sized legal practices to run their best firm and live their best life. We’re passionate about what we do, and our clients know it! 

Our collaborative culture and strong sense of purpose are the driving forces behind our success. 

About the role 

We are looking for a Financial Controller to join Smokeball UK. We are a process and technology-focused finance team with a strong continuous improvement mindset, and this is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. 

As the first finance hire in the UK region, this role will report to the UK Country Manager and play a critical part in establishing and strengthening the local finance function. The successful candidate will be hands on and responsible for general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and supporting business operations, while also helping to build and grow the regional finance team over time. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

Financial Control, Accounting & Reporting 

Responsible for the financial management and reporting of Smokeball UK including: 

  • Ownership of the general ledger, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and timely financial reporting  
  • Managing the subscription billing framework and revenue recognition process in accordance with relevant accounting standards  
  • End-to-end processing of finance transactions, including accounts payable, billing, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and journals  
  • Leading the month-end close process, including preparation of management accounts and variance analysis  
  • Preparing P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow forecasts to support business planning and decision-making  
  • Partnering with local outsourced providers to ensure payroll, VAT, tax, and statutory compliance obligations are met accurately and on time  
  • Supporting audit requirements and maintaining strong financial controls and governance processes  
  • Identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability, and reporting capability  

 

Finance Business Partnering 

Acting as a trusted finance partner to the UK Country Manager and wider team, including: 

  • Providing commercial insights and financial analysis to support strategic and operational decision-making  
  • Supporting budgeting, forecasting, and long-term strategic planning initiatives  
  • Using data and performance metrics to identify trends, risks, and business opportunities  
  • Collaborating cross-functionally with operational teams to improve financial performance and drive business outcomes  
  • Supporting the continued growth and scaling of the UK business through proactive financial leadership 

 

What you bring 

  • 5+ years in a commercial accounting role – essential 
  • CA/ACA qualified – essential 
  • Previous experience in a fast-growing tech business 
  • An understanding of subscription billing and revenue recognition 
  • An understanding of the software as a service (SaaS) business model 
  • Advanced MS Excel skills with experience building or maintaining forecast models 
  • Experience using cloud-based accounting and data analysis software 
  • Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable with change 

 What’s in it for you?  

👐 A dynamic and inclusive work environment 

💵 Competitive salary and performance-based incentives 

🧘 Wellbeing allowance 

👪 Competitive Paid Parental Leave 

🚀 The chance to be a key player in shaping the company’s success in the UK 

🥡 Office Snacks 

💻 Hybrid working style 

✨ Company provided ai licenses to support productivity 

🧢 And of course…the SWAG!  

 

*Smokeball is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an open, welcoming environment for everyone. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.  

Don’t meet all the criteria? No worries! If our values resonate with your personal values and you think you have what it takes, we’d love to hear from you!  

Please note: This role is only open to UK residents. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer sponsorship currently.  

Company Overview

Smokeball is a fast growing, B2B SaaS company, empowering small law firms to get their work done faster and smarter, and track their time accurately so they get paid properly for the work they’re doing. Emerging from the start-up stage, we are now rapidly scaling for growth with teams in Australia, UK and USA, soon looking to launch in other markets. We think deeply about the challenges of small law firms and drive innovations that truly change the lives of our clients