Financial Controller

We’re working with a growing manufacturing business looking to appoint a hands‑on Head of Finance to work closely with the CFO and take ownership of the day‑to‑day finance function.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant with strong SME experience who enjoys being close to the detail, leading a team and making a genuine impact on a growing business.

The business has ambitious growth plans, with revenue targeted to increase from £15m towards £50m. You’ll play a key role in building the finance function, improving systems and processes, and ensuring the business has the financial controls and reporting needed to support its next stage of growth.

Reporting to the CFO, you’ll take responsibility for the day‑to‑day running of finance, providing strong financial control while supporting commercial and operational decision‑making.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the day‑to‑day finance function and managing a team across financial control, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and finance support.
• Owning the month‑end close, management accounts and board reporting.
• Managing cash flow forecasting, working capital, banking facilities and treasury activities.
• Leading the annual budgeting and forecasting process.
• Overseeing year‑end audit, VAT, corporation tax and statutory compliance.
• Monitoring project costs, margins and profitability, identifying opportunities to improve financial performance.
• Managing relationships with banks, auditors, HMRC and other external stakeholders.
• Improving financial systems, processes and automation, including taking ownership of Sage 200.
• Supporting the CFO and wider leadership team with financial analysis, business decisions and investment projects.
• Developing the finance team and ensuring the function can support the business as it continues to grow.

We’re looking for a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with experience in a senior, hands‑on finance role within an SME environment.

You’ll ideally have:

• Experience as a Head of Finance, Financial Controller or Finance Director within an SME.
• Strong financial control and management accounting experience.
• A good understanding of cash flow, working capital and treasury management.
• Experience overseeing audit, tax and statutory reporting.
• Previous experience managing and developing a finance team.
• Strong systems and process improvement skills.
• The ability to work closely with operational and commercial stakeholders.
• A practical, hands‑on approach, with the confidence to take ownership and get involved in the detail.
• Experience with in manufacturing, engineering or a project‑based environment would be advantageous, as would exposure to international trade finance and Sage 200.

• Salary of £65,000–£70,000, depending on experience.
• Discretionary performance‑related bonus.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service.
• 5% pension contribution.
• Private healthcare.
• Life assurance at four times salary.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Salary sacrifice options and additional wellbeing benefits.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing manufacturing business at an exciting stage in its development. You’ll have the autonomy to make improvements, develop the finance team and work closely with the CFO to help shape the business as it continues to scale.

If you’re an experienced SME finance professional looking for a broad, hands‑on leadership role with real scope to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.