Financial Controller

Hirexo are working with a well-established retail and distribution business that has recently undergone a pre-pack administration and is now under new private equity ownership. As the business enters a period of financial stabilisation and turnaround, we are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Financial Controller to take ownership of financial operations, reporting, and compliance.\\n  \\n About Our Client:\\n  \\n Our client operates across multiple retail and concession locations, supported by a head office based in Trafford Park, Manchester. Following a recent business restructure, they require a Financial Controller with experience in pre-pack scenarios, private equity environments, and financial turnarounds.

This individual will play a key role in stabilising operations, ensuring strong financial governance, and managing critical supplier relationships.\\n  \\n The Opportunity for the Financial Controller:\\n  \\n This is a hands-on financial leadership role reporting directly to the Managing Director, with a dotted line to the key financial stakeholder. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining financial accuracy, ensuring compliance, and managing key financial relationships, particularly with suppliers, some of whom were impacted during the administration process.\\n  \\n This role is offered as a 6-month fixed-term contract with the view to extend and/or become permanent for the right candidate. The role will require 3-4 days per week in the office, aligning with the leadership team’s schedule.\\n  \\n Key Responsibilities for the Financial Controller:\\n \\nOversee all financial controls, ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial reporting.

\\nLead on supplier negotiations, managing key financial relationships and ensuring continued business partnerships despite prior financial challenges. \\nProvide hands-on financial management, including cash flow monitoring, forecasting, and month-end reporting. \\nWork closely with the Managing Director and key financial stakeholders to support the financial turnaround of the business.

\\nEnsure all statutory and regulatory financial obligations are met. \\nManage a small finance team, including a Junior Management Accountant, Accounts Payable Clerk, and Accounts Receivable Clerk. \\nOversee payroll operations (which are outsourced), ensuring accuracy and compliance.

\\nSupport with ad-hoc financial projects as required, ensuring a smooth transition under the new ownership.  \\n What You’ll Need to Succeed as the Financial Controller:\\n \\nFully qualified accountant (ACCA / CIMA / ACA) with extensive post-qualification experience. \\nProven experience in private equity-backed businesses, pre-pack administration, exits, acquisitions, and financial turnarounds.

\\nStrong financial governance and reporting experience, ideally in a retail, wholesale, or multi-site business. \\nResilience and confidence in handling supplier negotiations, with the ability to navigate sensitive financial discussions. \\nHands-on approach to financial management with the ability to drill into detail and ensure nothing is overlooked.

\\nExperience managing finance teams and providing leadership in a challenging business environment. \\nStrong knowledge of cash flow management, budgeting, and forecasting. \\nExcellent stakeholder management skills, able to build strong relationships with leadership and external partners.

 \\n The Package for the Financial Controller:\\n \\nSalary: £65,000 to £75,000 pro-rata \\n6-month fixed-term contract with the potential to extend or transition into a permanent role \\nHybrid working (3-4 days in office, aligned with leadership team presence) \\nOpportunity to play a key role in business stabilisation and financial restructuring \\nBased in Manchester, Trafford Park  \\n About Hirexo Talent Partners:\\n  \\n Hirexo Talent Partners are a specialist finance recruitment consultancy, partnering with businesses across the UK to strengthen their financial teams. From finance assistants to CFOs, we help companies secure the best talent to drive success. If you're an experienced Financial Controller looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you