Financial Controller – Career-Defining PE-Backed Opportunity Location: Teesside (fully on-site initially) Salary: £70,000–£75,000 genuine progression A Rare Opportunity at the Start of a Transformation Every so often, a role comes along that isn’t just a “step up” — it’s a trajectory-changing career move. This is one of those roles. A growing industrial services business in Teesside has just secured private equity investment and appointed a new, commercially minded CFO with a clear vision: “We’re building a modern finance function from the ground up. The right person will shape what ‘great’ looks like here.” — CFO This is not “business as usual.” This is building from scratch. Why This Role Is a Big Deal (What’s In It for You) 1. You get to build the finance function — not inherit one Most Financial Controllers walk into established processes. You won’t. You’ll walk into a blank canvas. You’ll shape reporting You’ll redefine controls You’ll influence systems You’ll modernise processes You’ll leave your fingerprints on everything If you’ve ever said, “I wish I could build this my way,” — this is that moment. 2. PE exposure that accelerates careers Private equity environments compress development. What normally takes 7–10 years in corporate environments can happen here in 3–5. You’ll gain experience in: Investor reporting Value creation planning Board-level visibility Commercial modelling Exit readiness This is the type of environment where Controllers become Heads of Finance, FDs, and CFOs. 3. A CFO who develops people — not controls them You’ll report directly to a CFO who is passionate about building capability, not hierarchy. “If someone shows initiative and curiosity, I won’t clip their wings.” — Anonymous CFO He wants someone who: Asks “why?” Challenges existing ways Spots improvements Wants more than a task list You’ll have autonomy, trust, and room to grow. 4. Commercial exposure if you want it If you’re naturally commercial, curious, and analytical, the doors are open. You could get involved in: Pricing decisions Operational business partnering Financial modelling Strategic planning M\&A support You won’t be pigeonholed. 5. A business on the cusp of major growth You’re joining right after PE funding — the perfect inflection point. The next 3–5 years will involve: Scaling Systems upgrades Process redesign Team building Operational performance improvements This is day one of a transformation. Few roles offer this level of visibility and influence. The Role: Financial Controller This is a hands-on, high-impact role where you will: Own and strengthen financial controls Build management reporting from scratch Lead and modernise month-end Play a key role in a new ERP implementation (Intact) Support PE reporting and board packs Partner with operations to drive insight This role suits someone who thrives in environments that are changing — not someone who wants everything already figured out. About You You’ll thrive here if you are: Essential A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) Experienced as a Financial Controller or similar level Used to hands-on roles in SMEs, industrial, or operational businesses Comfortable rebuilding processes, not just following them Someone who can bring structure, logic, and clarity to messy environments Behavioural Must-Haves Curious Proactive Problem-solver Improvement-focused Commercially minded Not the Right Fit If… You want a clean, corporate, neatly structured environment You prefer to wait for instructions You don’t enjoy change, pace, and ambiguity Location & Working Model The role is based in Teesside. Initial phase: Fully on-site (to build relationships, understand the business, and establish foundations) Once established: The CFO is pragmatic — flexibility based on performance and trust Interested? Let’s Talk Confidentially This search is being managed exclusively on a fully confidential basis by: Javed Bobat Founder, iFF Talent 0113 532 5500 07471 155 006 Drop me a message for a confidential conversation — even if you’re not sure yet. I’ll give you the full story, straight, no pressure. We’re a purpose-driven search firm built on one belief: recruitment should leave people and communities better than we found them. Alongside expert hiring support, we offer free mentoring access, career guidance, and wellbeing support throughout your journey We also reinvest 3% of our profits into mental health and social impact initiatives - including MHFA training, wellbeing workshops, and youth outreach. With IFF Talent, you’re not just applying for a role. You’re joining a recruitment experience designed to create real, lasting impact.