Working Pattern:
Full Time, 40 hours per week (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday)
Reports to:
Managing Director
Company Values
* Mutual Respect
– Respect everyone's time, decisions, and feelings.
* Step Up
– Always seek ways to improve in your role and as a team.
* Think Team
– Identify who to involve to expedite success.
* Own It
– Take responsibility for decisions and see them through.
* Get Stuff Done
– Prioritise effectively to deliver results and meet deadlines.
Role Purpose
We are seeking a
hands-on, detail-driven Financial Controller
to manage the day-to-day finance operations of the business. You will be responsible for ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, overseeing the month-end process, maintaining strong internal controls, and managing a small finance team (currently a Trainee Management Accountant and an Accounts Assistant).
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on operational control, process improvement, and delivering reliable financial information to support decision-making.
Core Responsibilities
1. Financial Reporting & Month-End Control
2. Operational Finance Management
3. Team Leadership & Development
4. Process Improvement & Compliance
5. Business Partnering (Operational Level)
Key Activities
Financial Reporting & Month-End Control
* Oversee monthly management accounts to agreed deadlines.
* Produce cash flow forecasts and variance analysis.
* Maintain and reconcile all balance sheet accounts.
* Coordinate and manage the month-end and year-end close processes.
* Provide accurate, timely reporting to the MD and senior team.
Operational Finance Management
* Oversee transactional processes including purchase ledger, sales ledger, bank reconciliations, cash posting, and general ledger entries.
* Manage VAT, PAYE, and corporation tax compliance.
* Monitor and control FX forecasting, purchases, and reporting of FX variances.
* Maintain the asset register and oversee lease financing arrangements.
* Lead and support budget preparation and regular reforecasting.
Team Leadership & Development
* Lead, mentor, and develop the Trainee Management Accountant and Accounts Assistant.
* Allocate workloads effectively to ensure deadlines are met.
* Foster a collaborative, supportive team culture.
Process Improvement & Compliance
* Ensure finance systems, processes, and controls operate effectively and efficiently.
* Document and update accounting policies and procedures.
* Drive automation and system improvements, including supporting ERP system implementation.
* Ensure compliance with GAAP and statutory requirements.
Business Partnering (Operational Level)
* Work closely with operational managers to understand cost drivers, budget variances, and performance metrics.
* Provide actionable insights to improve efficiency and profitability.
Skills & Experience
* Qualified or finalist accountant (CCAB or equivalent).
* Strong experience in financial operations, month-end close, and management accounts production.
* Proven ability to manage and develop small finance teams.
* Excellent understanding of VAT, PAYE, and corporation tax processes.
* Skilled in process improvement and system implementation.
* Experience in SMEs or fast-paced environments; sector experience in distribution or buy/sell businesses preferred.
* Strong IT skills, including ERP systems.
Package & Benefits
* Company-wide bonus scheme (GBS)
* 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + birthday off
* LinkedIn Learning access
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Employer pension contribution
* Quarterly reward and recognition scheme
First 6 Months Objectives
Month 1–2
* Gain a full understanding of current finance processes, systems, and reporting timelines.
* Build strong working relationships with the finance team, MD, and departmental budget holders.
* Take ownership of the month-end process and ensure accuracy of management accounts.
Month 3–4
* Review and document all key finance processes, recommending efficiency improvements.
* Establish robust cash flow forecasting and reporting routines.
* Implement quick-win process improvements to reduce month-end close time.
Month 5–6
* Lead the finance team in delivering consistently accurate management accounts within agreed deadlines.
* Support ERP system implementation planning and testing (where applicable).
* Introduce improved reporting formats for budget holders, enabling better operational decision-making.