Job Title: Financial Controller
Location: Wigan
Salary: up to £70,000 per annum
Role: Permanent – Full time
A high-growth, private equity-backed group within the UK construction/infrastructure supply chain is hiring a Financial Controller to take ownership of finance across two recently acquired operating businesses in the North West. This is a hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up role where you’ll steady the ship short-term (controls, reconciliations, month-end, cash) and help lead the journey toward stronger reporting, improved systems and a more scalable finance model.
You’ll be the on-site finance lead and the key link between local operational teams and the wider Group finance function—bringing structure, pace and clarity in an environment that’s entrepreneurial, fast-moving and evolving. Over time, as a new ERP is embedded and shared services capability matures, the role will naturally shift toward value-add partnering, supporting operational leaders with sharper MI, better decision-making and improved commercial outcomes.
The Role
Own the end-to-end finance agenda for two operational entities (c.£20–25m combined turnover) in a lean environment
Join during a genuine transformation phase: strengthening controls, improving reporting, embedding systems and governance
Perfect for a high-calibre Management Accountant stepping up or an experienced Financial Controller who enjoys change, autonomy and building “proper finance” in a business that needs it
Key Responsibilities
Financial Control, Month-End & Reporting
· Produce monthly management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, reconciliations, variance analysis)
· Strengthen financial controls and improve the quality, consistency and timeliness of MI
· Own budgeting, forecasting and KPI development, moving reporting from “basic” to decision-useful
Cash, Working Capital & Compliance
· Drive cashflow forecasting, working capital discipline and cash collection, working alongside central support functions
· Oversee statutory and tax compliance requirements (including VAT and CIS) with appropriate external/central support
Operational / Contract Accounting
· Support project and contract-based activity, including WIP and job profitability where projects span multiple months
· Translate numbers into practical insight for non-financial stakeholders, helping operational leaders improve margins and performance
Systems & Integration
· Play a key role in embedding a new ERP (NetSuite) locally, working with central system expertise rather than being left to “sink or swim”
· Improve processes and standardisation in readiness for a future shared services model
People & Stakeholder Management
· Support small on-site transactional resource (currently limited and mixed capability) and shape “what good looks like” going forward
· Build strong working relationships across local leadership and Group finance—this role succeeds through influence, credibility and delivery
About You
· Proven experience as an Area Manager (or equivalent multi‑site role)
· Background in retail or hospitality (customer‑led, fast‑paced environments essential)
· Strong people leader with a track record of developing managers and teams
· Commercially astute with the ability to balance people, standards and results
· Confident working autonomously in a field‑based role
· Comfortable operating in a compliance‑led environment
· Approachable, credible and able to build rapport quickly at all levels
· Full UK driving licence
What’s on Offer
· Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
· Strong management accounts and financial control capability, ideally in an operational, project-based or contracting environment
· Comfortable in a manual / imperfect environment—someone who will improve it, not complain about it
· Confident partnering with operational leaders who may be less finance-led—you can simplify, challenge and move things forward
· Systems mindset (NetSuite knowledge helpful but not essential)—you’re able to work with a central systems lead and drive adoption on-site
· A proactive, energetic style: not a “processor”—you bring pace, pragmatism and strength of character
About us:
This Financial Controller role is handled by McCarthy Recruitment, an award-winning multi-sector recruitment consultancy. We are committed to unlocking your full potential and finding your perfect role.
Start your journey today. Apply now or find us online: · Web: McCarthy Recruitment
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