Title: Finance Director/Controller
Location: Polegate – Hybrid working options
Salary: £100,000 – £120,000, plus discretionary bonus & wider benefits
Our client, a well-established engineering services business with a strong international footprint, is seeking a Finance Director/Controller to join their Polegate office. This is a key leadership role within the organisation, offering the opportunity to partner closely with senior stakeholders and play a pivotal part in driving financial performance, strategic decision-making, and continued growth across the group.
Responsibilities
* Partner with the Board and Executive Chairman on strategic and corporate projects, driving value creation across the group
* Review and enhance finance, sales, operational processes, and information systems to ensure robust, scalable, and effective reporting and controls
* Develop and implement an improved financial reporting framework, including IT system enhancements to support business growth
* Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, investors, and shareholders
* Deliver accurate, timely, and insightful financial management information for the Board and senior leadership team
* Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting cycles, including variance analysis and performance reporting
* Provide commercial support on strategic decision-making, including pipeline analysis, pricing, and margin optimisation
* Oversee statutory and regulatory compliance, including audit, HMRC (CT, VAT, PAYE/NI), and Companies House filings
* Drive effective working capital and cash flow management, monitoring receivables, supplier terms, and purchasing commitments
* Lead and develop core support functions including HR (payroll, PAYE/NI) and IT (team of 2), ensuring systems and processes align with business strategy
* Rapidly gain in-depth knowledge of the group’s operations, contracts, and supply chain to ensure robust controls and accurate financial representation
Role Requirements
* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent)
* Strong academic background with 5–7 years’ post-qualification experience in senior finance leadership roles
* Proven ability to manage finance in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, with hands-on involvement where required
* Strong technical expertise in financial reporting, compliance, and commercial analysis
* Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at Board level
* High level of computer literacy, with advanced Excel and reporting skills (experience with Sage Line50 advantageous)
* Strategic mindset combined with a proactive, detail-oriented, and results-driven approach