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
The Legal Bit
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying for this role, you are explicitly consenting for McCarthy Recruitment to hold and process your data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations. And your details will be added to our holding database. We process certain personal information about you for our legitimate business interests to identify and contact suitable candidates about positions that may be relevant to them. Details are set out in our privacy policy at privacy. If you wish to exercise your right to access, erase or restrict the processing of your data please contact us at the office and we will respond to your query.
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