At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and analysis for a key UK business unit.
- Company: Join a vibrant FMCG company with a fun, purpose-driven culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment and the chance to make an impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing team that values operational excellence and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with strong financial control experience.
- Other info: This is a 6-month fixed-term contract with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.
Weβre working with a fast-growing, FMCG business looking for a commercially savvy and hands-on Financial Controller to join their UK finance team on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This role offers the chance to work in a vibrant and values-driven business that blends operational excellence with a fun, purpose-led culture. You'll take ownership of the financials for a key UK business unit, working closely with senior leadership to support reporting, planning, and profitability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead monthly close processes, including journals, accruals, and reporting
- Full ownership of the P&L and Balance Sheet for a business unit
- Deliver accurate and insightful financial reporting to internal stakeholders
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes across commercial and operational functions
- Perform margin, cost, and yield analysis to support strategic decisions
- Partner with the Managing Director and wider leadership team to challenge and support financial performance
- Be a key contact for audit preparation and queries
- Contribute to wider group reporting, system testing, and cross-business projects
- Build financial models and tools in Excel to improve visibility and decision-making
About You:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
- Strong experience in financial control, management reporting, and budgeting
- Commercially aware with a proactive approach to business partnering
- Confident handling month-end close and presenting financial results
- Comfortable with data analysis and building reporting tools in Excel
- Experience working in FMCG, manufacturing, retail
Contact Detail:
Accountancy Action Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the FMCG sector and its financial nuances. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities in this industry will help you speak confidently about how your skills can add value to the business.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the finance and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with people who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within their organisations.
β¨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly in building financial models and reporting tools. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in Excel during interviews can set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with month-end close processes and financial reporting. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed these tasks in previous roles, as this will showcase your hands-on experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) and emphasises your experience in financial control, management reporting, and budgeting. Use specific examples that demonstrate your commercial awareness and proactive approach.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company culture. Mention how your skills align with the key responsibilities, such as leading monthly close processes and delivering insightful financial reporting. Show that you understand the FMCG sector and how you can contribute.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate directly to the job description. Discuss your involvement in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, particularly in FMCG, manufacturing, or retail environments. Use metrics to quantify your achievements where possible.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your formatting is consistent and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Financial Controller role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Accountancy Action
β¨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial control, management reporting, and budgeting. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed P&L and Balance Sheets, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
β¨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
FMCG businesses thrive on understanding market dynamics. Research the companyβs products and competitors, and be ready to discuss how your insights can contribute to their financial performance. This shows that youβre not just a numbers person but also understand the business landscape.
β¨Excel Skills are Key
Since the role involves building financial models and tools in Excel, brush up on your Excel skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss any complex spreadsheets or models you've created in the past, as this will illustrate your technical proficiency.
β¨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially in relation to margin, cost, and yield analysis. Prepare to discuss how you would approach specific financial challenges or decisions, showcasing your analytical thinking and strategic mindset.