Job Description
Role: Financial ControllerReporting to: Chief Financial OfficerDirect report: Part-time BookkeeperLocation: Brighton & HoveThe Role We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to take ownership of the day-to-day financial control and reporting of a growing food manufacturing business. This is a hands-on role with broad exposure across financial reporting, cash flow management, controls, and systems, with a clear progression path to Finance Director within two to three years.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting & Management Accounts
* Prepare timely and accurate monthly management accounts, including P&L, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow statements.
* Provide clear, insightful commentary on performance, including investigation and explanation of material variances.
* Maintain and manage accruals, including retrospective discounts and supplier recharges.
Cash Flow & Working Capital
* Manage short- and medium-term cash flow forecasting and funding requirements.
* Monitor working capital movements and assess fixed asset investment needs.
* Oversee daily bank reconciliations and ensure alignment with finance providers’ balances.
Treasury & Finance Providers
* Act as the primary point of contact for finance providers, including invoice discounting and inventory finance facilities.
* Ensure accurate reconciliation and reporting to all funding partners.
Payments, Payroll & Receivables
* Oversee supplier and staff payment processes.
* Manage receivables and credit control processes to support cash collection.
* Run monthly payroll for approximately 40 employees.
Controls, Compliance & Governance
* Review, maintain and improve internal controls and accounting policies.
* Approve invoices in line with delegated authority.
* Ensure full compliance with HMRC reporting requirements, including VAT, Excise Duty and PAYE.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Improvement
* Assist with annual budget preparation and quarterly reforecasting.
* Identify and help implement efficiency improvements through enhanced systems and processes.
* Support continuous improvement initiatives across finance operations.
Systems & Team
* Work closely with operational teams to ensure robust financial data flows from production systems.
* Manage and develop a part-time bookkeeper.
* Contribute to ongoing systems optimisation (NetSuite experience preferred).
Candidate ProfileEssential
* Proven experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role within a manufacturing or production environment.
* Strong management accounting, cash flow and working capital management skills.
* Hands-on, detail-oriented approach with the ability to operate at both transactional and strategic levels.
* Experience liaising with external finance providers.
* Solid understanding of UK statutory and HMRC reporting requirements.
Desirable
* Experience using NetSuite or similar manufacturing ERP systems.
* Background in a growing, scaling or PE-backed business.
* Ambition to progress to a Finance Director role.
Career Development This role offers a genuine opportunity for progression, with structured succession planning to Finance Director within two to three years for the right candidate.Benefits:
* £60-70k base depending on experience
* Bonus
* Pension scheme
* 25 days annual leave
* Discounts across the brand