Job Title: Financial Controller
Location: Blackpool (full time on site)
Reports to: Group Finance Director
Salary: £65,000-£75,000
Sector: Manufacturing
About the Company
A successful privately owned international manufacturing Group on a growth journey. The business is looking to strengthen the finance team, implement financial controls and processes to accelerate growth plans.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Group Finance Director, the Financial Controller will have full responsibility for all accounting records across the Group, including multiple UK subsidiaries and associated business units. The successful candidate will ensure full statutory compliance, maintain robust financial controls, and lead the delivery of accurate and timely financial reporting. This role oversees Group-wide financial operations, including cash flow management, accounts payable, credit control, and the development of rigorous internal controls and accounting policies. The Financial Controller will also manage the year-end audit process, oversee relationships with external auditors and advisors, and play a pivotal role in shaping high-quality financial management information aligned with the Group’s financial plan.
Key Responsibilities
Management & Leadership
* Lead, supervise and support the Accounts Payable team on all day-to-day tasks.
* Ensure all daily accounting processes follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
* Continuously improve and update accounting SOPs to enhance efficiency and control.
* Ensure all direct reports have clearly defined SMART objectives and personal development plans, with regular reviews and accurate documentation of progress.
Month-End & Financial Reporting
* Ensure all teams are fully trained and compliant with accounting requirements to support an efficient month-end.
* Oversee the effective management of Aged Debtors and Aged Creditors across the Group.
* Produce consolidated accounts for the Group and any associated entities.
* Review and challenge monthly management account packs submitted by FP&A teams.
* Conduct detailed monthly balance sheet reviews, ensuring high-quality reconciliations across all entities.
Operational Finance
* Lead Group cashflow forecasting on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
* Oversee and maintain strict control of purchase ledger and aged debt balances, cash books and intercompany balances (trade & nominal), stock holdings and inventory control.
* Review prepayments and accruals monthly.
* Ensure timely and compliant VAT submissions for all Group companies.
* Provide monthly cashflow and treasury updates to the Finance Director and Group Controller.
* Lead the preparation and production of year-end statutory accounts and tax packs for all Group entities.
* Complete tax packs to support external advisors in preparing corporation tax returns.
External Relationships
* Manage day-to-day banking relationships and resolve operational banking issues.
* Develop and maintain relationships with credit insurers, supplying accurate quarterly updates.
* Lead the Group year-end audit process, ensuring accurate, complete and timely audit packs.
* Coordinate with external finance consultants and advisors as required.
Additional Responsibilities
* Deliver costing analysis for ongoing and new projects.
* Support feasibility analysis for new company start-ups, acquisitions, and disposals.
Key Requirements
* A qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with post-qualification experience in a multi-entity, international environment.
* Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP, financial controls and statutory reporting.
* Experience managing teams and improving accounting processes.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to challenge, influence and build strong cross-functional relationships.
What’s On Offer?
* Work in a high growth, privately owned business with clear growth ambitions.
* Working alongside an exceptional Group Finance Director and the ability to put your own stamp on the role.
* Huge scope for progression opportunities as the business grows.
* Managing all key external relationships.
£65,000-£75,000
beth@sowenagroup.co.uk