Financial Controller

Clayton Engineering Limited specialise in the design and manufacture of launch and recovery equipment for lifeboats. As part of the RNLI, we support them to save lives at sea by manufacturing high quality equipment and sustaining its life in service. Our vehicles are often featured on the BBC TV Program 'Saving Lives at Sea’ and can be seen at many of the RNLI Boathouses across the country.

The company has a site based in Knighton in Mid Wales on the Powys / Shropshire / Herefordshire border. Easily commutable from Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Leominster or Hereford. LD1, LD7, LD8, SY7, SY8, SY9, HR5, HR6

Reporting to the CEO and providing regular financial reporting and insight to the CEL Board, the Financial Controller is responsible for ensuring the financial health, sustainability and effective financial management of the organisation.

This is a broad and hands-on role that encompasses the full spectrum of finance activities, from day-to-day financial operations and compliance through to strategic financial planning, analysis and decision support. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating at both detailed transactional level and senior strategic level, adapting their approach to meet the needs of the business.

The Financial Controller will act as the organisation's finance subject matter expert, providing guidance, training and support to colleagues involved in finance-related activities across the business. While the role has no direct line management responsibility, it requires strong leadership, influencing and relationship-building skills to promote financial best practice and support organisational objectives.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Provide a comprehensive management accounting service to managers, the CEO and the CEL Board, including:
• Monthly management accounts and performance reporting.
• Budget preparation, forecasting and financial planning.
• Cash flow management and reporting.
• Contract accounting and profitability analysis.
• Financial analysis, interpretation and business insight.
• Ad hoc financial reporting and decision support.
• Prepare and deliver accurate, timely and meaningful financial information to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Provide a full set of statutory year-end accounts for consolidation purposes.
• Support the preparation of consolidated accounts and liaise with external auditors as required.
• Ensure appropriate finance representation and input at management and project meetings.

• Maintain and continuously improve the organisation's financial governance framework, ensuring robust financial controls, policies and procedures are in place and operating effectively.
• Ensure financial processes align with organisational requirements and, where applicable, harmonise with RNLI financial policies and standards.
• Monitor and maintain effective financial controls within the ERP environment.
• Manage compliance with all relevant financial and statutory requirements, including VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax and payroll obligations.
• Coordinate audit activities, respond to audit findings and recommendations, and oversee the implementation of agreed improvements.
• Keep abreast of legislative, regulatory and accounting changes, ensuring ongoing compliance and best practice.

• Act as a trusted finance advisor to managers and colleagues across the organisation.
• Provide training, guidance, coaching and support to employees undertaking finance-related responsibilities.
• Promote financial awareness, accountability and good financial practice throughout the organisation.
• Develop and maintain financial guidance, procedures and supporting documentation for both financial and non-financial colleagues.
• Work collaboratively with RNLI finance teams and internal stakeholders to support the ongoing development of the company.
• Undertake additional duties and projects as required to support the effective operation of the business.

• Degree in Finance, Accounting or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).
• Stro…