Financial Controller

Hays Senior Finance are exclusively partnering with a family-owned SME manufacturing business based in Swindon. We are looking for a hands-on, commercially focused Financial Controller to take ownership of the finance function within a c.£30m turnover organisation based in Swindon with European operations in Italy and Germany. This is a high-impact role during a period of structural change and business transformation, offering the opportunity to improve financial control, strengthen reporting, and help shape future performance.

You will act as the No.1 in finance, combining strategic input with hands-on delivery. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in an evolving environment, leading from the front, and driving tangible improvements across systems, processes, controls, and commercial insight. This is not a maintenance role. We need someone who is proactive, resilient, delivery-focused, and willing to get into the detail to deliver meaningful change.

Key responsibilities Take full ownership of day-to-day finance operations, ensuring robust financial control and accurate reporting. Lead the finance function through structural change and business transformation. Drive improvements and reduce complexity across finance processes, audit, controls, reporting quality, and use of the current SAP ERP system. Play a key role in developing and embedding the new Dynamics 365 ERP system to improve efficiency, data integrity, and business visibility.

Deliver hands-on monthly reporting, budgeting, and forecasting cycles. Provide clear, actionable financial insight to support commercial decision-making around product costing and pricing. Identify and implement opportunities to improve working capital, cost control, and performance visibility. Manage inter-company transfers and purchases across international entities, ensuring compliance and efficient processes. Manage external relationships including auditors, banks, and advisors during a period of transition.

Input into procurement to drive cost improvement activities as well as controls and process automation. Manage and develop accounting team in UK, Italy and Germany About you Experience Proven Financial Controller experience within an SME or mid-sized business, ideally within manufacturing or a similar environment. Track record of operating successfully in change, turnaround, or transformation settings. Experience improving finance processes, controls, and systems;

SAP and/or Dynamics 365 experience would be advantageous. Experience operating in a multinational environment and managing related transaction complexities and compliance requirements. Exposure to reporting into US based corporate head office and ensuring corporate compliance and controls.

Experience of German and Italian accounting requirements is desirable. Comfortable owning both hands-on finance delivery and strategic input.

Experience of supporting and driving pricing analysis and strategy.

Experience of managing and developing a finance team. Skills and qualifications Fully qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. Strong analytical mindset with the ability to turn financial data into practical business actions. Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, evolving environments. Confidence delivering results with limited infrastructure or support. Mindset Hands-on and delivery-focused, with the willingness to get into the detail when required.

Resilient, adaptable, and proactive in solving problems. Comfortable challenging stakeholders constructively and driving change. High ownership mentality, able to operate as a true finance lead. Why join us? Play a key role in shaping the future of the business. Take on a high-impact finance leadership role during a critical period of change. Enjoy autonomy to improve systems, processes, controls, and performance visibility.

Gain direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making. Join an organisation where your work will have a visible and meaningful impact. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

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