Financial Controller

An established SME is looking for a Financial Controller to take full ownership of the finance function and act as a key strategic partner to the Managing Director and leadership team. This is a hands-on, high-visibility role where you will drive financial governance, reporting accuracy, cash performance, and commercial decision-making in a dynamic, project-driven environment.

The Role You will lead the company’s financial management, ensuring strong control, compliance, and insight to support growth.

Key responsibilities include:

Financial Governance & Compliance Maintain strong internal financial controls and audit discipline Ensure compliance with UK GAAP / FRS
102 and Companies Act requirements Manage HMRC compliance (VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax) Oversee statutory reporting and year-end audit process Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and financial documentation Manage Company Secretary responsibilities and regulatory filings Monitor financial risk and ensure appropriate controls Financial Reporting & Insight Produce accurate monthly management accounts Prepare P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow forecasts Deliver variance analysis and meaningful financial commentary Provide clear interpretation of financial performance to leadership Support strategic decision-making with commercial financial insight Cash Flow & Working Capital Manage and forecast cash flow on a rolling basis Oversee credit control, supplier payments, and banking relationships Monitor stock valuation and working capital performance Protect liquidity within a project-led construction supply cycle Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning Lead annual budgets and reforecasts Build long-term financial plans Support pricing, margin analysis, and cost modelling Identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities Support growth and investment decisions Finance Operations Leadership Manage day-to-day accounting operations (purchase ledger, sales ledger and payroll coordination) Maintain bank reconciliations, fixed asset register, and stock accounting Ensure financial systems produce accurate, timely data Improve financial processes and reporting efficiency External Relationships Act as primary contact for auditors, banks, HMRC, insurers, and advisers Leadership & Collaboration Lead and develop finance team members Support wider business with financial insight and decision support Work cross-functionally with operations, sales, and leadership teams The ideal candidate:
Essential:
Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or AAT Level
4) Strong knowledge of UK financial regulations and statutory compliance Experience in an SME Financial Controller or senior finance role Strong cash flow management, budgeting, and forecasting experience Audit preparation and HMRC reporting experience Strong Excel and accounting systems capability Desirable:
Manufacturing, construction, or product-based business experience Stock accounting and project margin analysis ERP or system implementation exposure The Opportunity

This role offers the chance to:
Take full ownership of a finance function Work closely with senior leadership and influence key decisions Strengthen financial performance and controls in a growing business Add genuine commercial value beyond the numbers