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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team, drive financial reporting, and support strategic initiatives.
- Company: Join a growing, privately owned business with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and a company car.
- Why this job: Be part of a values-driven culture where your insights directly influence business growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with hands-on finance leadership experience in an SME environment.
- Other info: Work closely with senior leadership in a fast-paced, autonomous setting.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Job Description
Financial Controller / Head of Finance
Shrewsbury
£ Car Bonus Potential Private Healthcare
A confidential and privately owned, growing business is seeking a Head of Finance (or Financial Controller, depending on experience) to lead its finance function and support the next phase of operational and strategic development. This is a hands-on and commercially focused leadership role within a values-driven, entrepreneurial organisation.
The Opportunity
You will be joining an agile business with a flat structure and strong ownership presence. Profitability and turnover have fluctuated in recent years, and with significant investment already made into new sites and operations, the business is poised for future growth.
You’ll be tasked with not just running the finance team efficiently, but also being a proactive contributor to strategic decision-making and operational improvement across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a sizeable finance and admin team, ensuring timely and accurate management accounts, correct processing of financial transactions and a happy team that is integrated into the wider business.
- Drive high-quality financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.
- Provide commercial insight to improve margins, control costs, and support strategic initiatives.
- Maintain robust internal controls and compliance with financial standards and banking requirements.
- Collaborate with operational teams to influence behaviours, improve processes, and unlock efficiencies.
- Contribute to business planning, financial modelling, and appraisal of investment opportunities.
- Support the owners with ad hoc strategic projects.
- May include occasional support to a related company (up to 1 day per week).
About You
- Preferably a Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Hands-on finance leadership experience within an SME or owner-managed business environment.
- Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, financial control, and reporting.
- Commercial mindset with a curious, analytical approach and an eye for margin improvement.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a high degree of autonomy.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills — able to build relationships across teams.
- A practical, low-ego operator who brings energy, accountability, and integrity to the role.
What’s On Offer
- Base salary between £60,000 – £70,000
- Bonus related in business performance
- Company car
- Private healthcare
- On-site working (5 days) with flexibility for ad hoc homeworking
- Close collaboration with senior leadership and real influence on business direction
- An inclusive, respectful and autonomous culture where your input matters
Financial Controller / Head of Finance employer: Seymour John
Contact Detail:
Seymour John Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller / Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the company's financial history and current performance metrics. Understanding their profitability fluctuations and recent investments will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to their growth during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in leading finance teams within SMEs or owner-managed businesses. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've driven financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting in similar environments, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your commercial mindset by preparing insights on potential cost control measures or margin improvements relevant to the business. This proactive approach will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would collaborate with operational teams to improve processes and unlock efficiencies. Sharing specific strategies or past experiences where you've successfully influenced behaviours will showcase your ability to integrate finance with broader business operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller / Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance leadership, particularly within SME or owner-managed environments. Emphasise your qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and any hands-on roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your commercial mindset and analytical approach can contribute to improving margins and supporting strategic initiatives.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact.
Showcase Interpersonal Skills: Given the importance of collaboration in this role, include examples of how you've built relationships across teams. Highlight your communication skills and how they have contributed to successful outcomes in past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Seymour John
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Financial Controller or Head of Finance, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a positive team environment and drive performance.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
This role requires a strong commercial mindset. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to improving margins and controlling costs in previous positions. Use specific examples to illustrate your analytical approach and how it has positively impacted the business.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
The interview will likely involve discussions about strategic decision-making. Familiarise yourself with the company's recent developments and be prepared to share your insights on potential financial strategies that could support their growth plans.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Given the fast-paced nature of the business, it's important to demonstrate your ability to adapt to changing environments. Share experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges or changes in your previous roles, showcasing your resilience and problem-solving skills.
