Financial controller

Financial Controller Reporting to: Finance Director Salary: £70,000 - £75,000 Plus Bonus and Benefits This role is designed for a credible, influential people leader — a fully qualified accountant who can operate as the trusted right hand to the Finance Director while leading an established finance team and shaping the financial future of a growing business. The Role You’ll step into a high ‑ impact Financial Controller position where your leadership, technical strength, and commercial awareness will directly influence operational performance and strategic decision ‑ making. This is not a back ‑ office role — it’s a visible, relationship ‑ driven position requiring gravitas, confidence, and the ability to partner with senior management across the group. You will lead a capable finance team, strengthen controls, elevate reporting quality, and act as a key voice in shaping financial and operational strategy. What You’ll Lead & Deliver Strategic partnership — Work side ‑ by ‑ side with the Finance Director on financial and operational strategy, providing insight, challenge, and forward ‑ looking analysis. Standard costing implementation — Lead the rollout and optimisation of a robust standard costing model. Team leadership — Mentor, develop, and inspire an established finance team, ensuring high performance and accountability. Inventory management — Oversee stock, COGS, and WIP, ensuring accuracy, control, and operational alignment. Management accounts — Deliver accurate monthly accounts by segment, group consolidations, and KPI reporting for Board, Bank, and external stakeholders. Month ‑ end & year ‑ end — Own the close process and lead bank audit requirements with confidence and clarity. Financial controls — Ensure integrity across multiple entities with strong processes, governance, and compliance. Financial modelling — Build models and structures that support operational decision ‑ making and commercial planning. HMRC compliance — Oversee excise, VAT, duty, and payroll tax compliance. ERP leadership — Lead the implementation of Tropos/Kinetic, including BOM mapping, WIP reporting, troubleshooting, and system optimisation. Process improvement — Drive efficiency through automation, system enhancements, and continuous improvement. Cost & capex reporting — Manage cost allocations, cost analysis, capex reporting, and cashflow forecasting. Working capital insights — Provide weekly visibility on cash flow, accrued revenue, debtors, and liquidity. Audit leadership — Act as the key finance lead for external auditors and third ‑ party stakeholders. Business partnering — Build strong relationships with Commercial and Operations teams, adding commercial value and financial clarity. Requirements What You Bring Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) Proven experience leading and developing established finance teams Strong technical grounding across financial reporting, controls, and compliance Experience operating as a trusted partner to senior leadership Gravitas, credibility, and the ability to influence across a multi ‑ site or multi ‑ entity environment Hands ‑ on capability combined with strategic thinking Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or product ‑ led environments (advantageous) ERP implementation experience (Tropos/Kinetic desirable) Benefits Why This Role Matters This is a pivotal appointment — the Finance Director needs a true second ‑ in ‑ command, someone who can lead the team, elevate the function, and provide the stability, insight, and challenge required for the next phase of growth. You’ll have autonomy, visibility, and the opportunity to shape the finance function in a business that values expertise, partnership, and continuous improvement. Salary of £70,000 - £75,000 Plus Benefits