Financial Controller

Location:

Blackstar HQ, Northampton, UK – office based

Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians and music lovers who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great sound.

Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation within all of our products. Blackstar, and Carry‑on by Blackstar products are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tools for self‑expression.

Blackstar is a unique environment; it is professional and process‑orientated, yet at the same time very dynamic and a fun place to work. Our company values promote equality, diversity and inclusion. Our team are experts in their field, passionate about music and driven to be the most professional company in the industry. We have a growth mentality; the business is very dynamic and we are constantly striving to grow the business with a true entrepreneurial spirit.

If you approach your work with pride, want to be the best and help to grow our global brand to its full potential, we would love to hear from you.

We are recruiting an experienced and commercially minded Financial Controller to work alongside the Managing Director and Executive Management Team to facilitate Blackstar’s ambitious business objectives. The role reports to the Managing Director initially; once appointed, it will report to the part‑time Finance Director.

Blackstar is a world‑class company which operates at a very high pace and is constantly evolving its business model proposition. The successful candidate will have a hands‑on approach to financial management, a clear cadence for month‑end and forecasting, and a high degree of energy and commitment.

The Financial Controller owns the financial close, controls and reporting, and line‑manages the Supply Chain Manager to protect service (On Time In Full), cash headroom and margin. The role partners closely with Sales, Operations, R&D and Marketing to ensure NPD business cases, costing and product launch readiness are financially sound.

There is a strong international aspect, including overseeing the stocking and logistical aspects of supply chain management of the two main Chinese contract manufacturers and shipments to the worldwide distribution network and UK self-distribution set‑up.

For the right person – this will be the dream job.

Financial control and reporting

• Own the month‑end close and produce a concise, accurate management accounts pack and KPI dashboard for the EMT and Board.
• Own short‑term cash forecasting and liquidity visibility, including invoice‑finance availability and headroom.
• Coordinate external audit and own the statutory accounts timetable; meet all statutory and fiscal requirements.

Lead the Blackstar finance function

• Lead the finance team to the highest standards of accuracy and integrity; coach and develop the Management Accountant and transactional finance.
• Ensure financial systems and processes are appropriate and fit for purpose across P2P, O2C, R2R, Payroll and Master Data.
• Drive practical automation to reduce cycle time and manual error.

Oversee the Blackstar supply chain function

• Line‑manage the Supply Chain Manager and set targets for OTIF, inventory turns and stock accuracy.
• Oversee the logistical and supply management of global contract manufacturers and 3PL providers; ensure timely shipments to the worldwide distribution network.
• Maintain accurate data on the company’s ERP system, OnOrder, landed‑cost assumptions and availability signals to Sales; review stock requirements.

The Financial Controller is both a key operational role and a commercial one. Working with the Executive team, you will contribute to annual business planning and implementation.

You will have a company‑first attitude and a “whatever it takes to get the job done” approach. You will be a reliable and…