At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial activities and drive strategic decision-making in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established multi-site manufacturing business with a focus on growth and improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and direct impact on business performance.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous improvement and professional development in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Take ownership of finance and influence key decisions in a stable industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in finance roles, strong analytical skills, and leadership capabilities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
5S Recruitment are proud to be supporting a well-established, multi-site manufacturing business in the search for a Financial Controller. This is a key, senior-level appointment within the business for a hands-on, commercially aware finance professional who can take ownership of the financial function, drive reporting accuracy, and influence strategic decision-making across the organisation. You’ll report directly to senior leadership and operate as the backbone of financial control, reporting, and performance insight across two manufacturing sites.
This is a broad, autonomous position with real responsibility. You’ll lead all core financial activities while building robust systems, controls, and reporting structures to support business growth.
- Full ownership of monthly management accounts (P&A, balance sheet, cash flow)
- Delivering accurate and timely financial reporting to senior leadership
- Producing monthly board packs with clear performance commentary
- Leading the budgeting and forecasting cycle across the business
- Analysing and challenging costs, margins, and variances
- Driving financial controls, processes, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Business partnering with department heads to improve performance
- Managing purchase ledger & sales ledger functions
- Improving working capital performance, including stock and cash management
- Overseeing cashflow forecasting and payments approval
- Leading year-end audit and compliance (VAT, Plastic Tax, EPR, PAYE, P11D, Corporation Tax)
- Ensuring full compliance with UK financial regulations
- Supporting payroll processes with group functions
- Leading, coaching, and developing the finance team
This role needs someone who’s been there, done it and still wants to improve it.
- Proven experience in a Financial Controller / Senior Finance role within manufacturing
- Strong background in management accounts, reporting, and financial control
- Experience managing budgets, forecasts, and audit processes
- Confident working in a fast-paced, multi-site environment
- Strong Excel and systems capability (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs essential)
- A continuous improvement mindset, not just maintaining, but upgrading
- Leadership experience with a coaching, hands-on style
- Ability to challenge, influence, and partner across the business
- Excellent attention to detail with strong analytical thinking
- Professional qualification (ACCA / ACA / CIMA) or equivalent experience
Genuine ownership of the finance function with direct impact on business performance and decision-making in a stable manufacturing environment.
Financial Controller employer: 5S Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
5S Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Financial Controller role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and industry trends. Be ready to discuss how you can drive financial controls and improve performance, as this is what employers are really looking for in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, highlight your experience in coaching and developing finance teams. They want someone who can lead and inspire, not just crunch numbers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of great opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that Financial Controller role!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing finance, management accounts, and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you’ve made an impact in previous roles!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you’ve driven financial controls and improved processes in your past roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical thinking, don’t shy away from showcasing your skills. Mention any tools or systems you’ve used, like Excel, and how they’ve helped you in budgeting, forecasting, or reporting.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at 5S Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and analysis. Brush up on key metrics like cash flow, margins, and variances. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these areas in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a hands-on leader who can coach and develop a finance team. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, focusing on your coaching style and how you’ve influenced performance across departments.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the manufacturing sector and the specific challenges it faces. Research the company’s operations and be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can support their growth and improve efficiency.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions on financial regulations, budgeting processes, and compliance. Brush up on your knowledge of UK financial regulations and be ready to explain how you’ve navigated audits and compliance in previous roles.