Job Description
An established SME is looking for a Financial Controller to take full ownership of the finance function and act as a key strategic partner to the Managing Director and leadership team.
This is a hands-on, high-visibility role where you will drive financial governance, reporting accuracy, cash performance, and commercial decision-making in a dynamic, project-driven environment.
The Role
You will lead the company’s financial management, ensuring strong control, compliance, and insight to support growth.
Key responsibilities include:
Financial Governance & Compliance
* Maintain strong internal financial controls and audit discipline
* Ensure compliance with UK GAAP / FRS102 and Companies Act requirements
* Manage HMRC compliance (VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax)
* Oversee statutory reporting and year-end audit process
* Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and financial documentation
* Manage Company Secretary responsibilities and regulatory filings
* Monitor financial risk and ensure appropriate controls
Financial Reporting & Insight
* Produce accurate monthly management accounts
* Prepare P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow forecasts
* Deliver variance analysis and meaningful financial commentary
* Provide clear interpretation of financial performance to leadership
* Support strategic decision-making with commercial financial insight
Cash Flow & Working Capital
* Manage and forecast cash flow on a rolling basis
* Oversee credit control, supplier payments, and banking relationships
* Monitor stock valuation and working capital performance
* Protect liquidity within a project-led construction supply cycle
Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning
* Lead annual budgets and reforecasts
* Build long-term financial plans
* Support pricing, margin analysis, and cost modelling
* Identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities
* Support growth and investment decisions
Finance Operations Leadership
* Manage day-to-day accounting operations (purchase ledger, sales ledger and payroll coordination)
* Maintain bank reconciliations, fixed asset register, and stock accounting
* Ensure financial systems produce accurate, timely data
* Improve financial processes and reporting efficiency
External Relationships
* Act as primary contact for auditors, banks, HMRC, insurers, and advisers
Leadership & Collaboration
* Lead and develop finance team members
* Support wider business with financial insight and decision support
* Work cross-functionally with operations, sales, and leadership teams
The ideal candidate:
Essential:
* Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or AAT Level 4)
* Strong knowledge of UK financial regulations and statutory compliance
* Experience in an SME Financial Controller or senior finance role
* Strong cash flow management, budgeting, and forecasting experience
* Audit preparation and HMRC reporting experience
* Strong Excel and accounting systems capability
Desirable:
* Manufacturing, construction, or product-based business experience
* Stock accounting and project margin analysis
* ERP or system implementation exposure
The Opportunity
This role offers the chance to:
* Take full ownership of a finance function
* Work closely with senior leadership and influence key decisions
* Strengthen financial performance and controls in a growing business
* Add genuine commercial value beyond the numbers