At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring accurate reporting and robust financial controls.
- Company: Established manufacturing business with a strong reputation in private equity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and leadership exposure.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a respected company and make a real impact on financial strategy.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance leadership and manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Accountable Recruitment are delighted to be exclusively partnering with a well-established, private equity owned, manufacturing business who are seeking to appoint an experienced Interim Financial Controller to join the organisation on a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. Based in Skelmersdale, you will work a hybrid model with 3 days per week in the office and 2 days from home. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified finance leader to join a successful and highly respected business, taking ownership of the finance function whilst partnering closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation.
Salary/Benefits:
- £75,000-£85,000
- 12-month fixed-term contract (Maternity Cover)
- Hybrid working model (3 days office / 2 days home)
- Skelmersdale location
- Exclusive opportunity through Accountable Recruitment
- Senior leadership exposure with broad operational responsibility
Job Duties:
- Lead the day-to-day finance function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
- Produce monthly management accounts, board reporting packs, KPI reporting and performance analysis.
- Maintain and develop robust financial controls, processes and governance frameworks.
- Ensure all balance sheet reconciliations are completed, reviewed and accurately maintained.
- Monitor manufacturing performance, margins, operational costs and profitability.
- Oversee product costing, labour efficiency reporting, overhead recovery and variance analysis.
- Manage stock accounting, inventory valuation and stock control processes.
- Prepare annual budgets, forecasts and long-term financial plans.
- Produce and maintain rolling cashflow forecasts and monitor working capital performance.
- Lead and develop the finance team, ensuring delivery of key objectives and continuous improvement.
- Manage VAT returns, statutory reporting requirements and wider compliance obligations.
- Lead the year-end audit process and act as the key contact for external auditors and advisors.
- Oversee payroll processes, ensuring compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Provide commercial insight and financial support to operational and leadership teams.
- Act as a trusted business partner, supporting strategic decision-making across the organisation.
Who will I report in to? Chief Financial Officer
When will interviews be taking place? Interviews will be taking place as soon as possible, with the successful candidate expected to support a structured handover period.
Ideal Experience:
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified accountant.
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller, Head of Finance or Senior Finance Manager.
- Previous experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
- Strong management accounting, financial reporting and financial controls experience.
- Demonstrable experience of budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management.
- Strong understanding of stock accounting, inventory management, costing and margin analysis.
- Experience managing audits, VAT compliance and statutory reporting requirements.
- Previous leadership experience with responsibility for developing and managing finance teams.
- Strong ERP systems experience and advanced Excel skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Hands-on approach with the ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced environment.
- Strong commercial awareness with a proactive mindset and focus on continuous improvement.
Interim Financial Controller in Preston employer: Accountable Recruitment
Join a well-established and expanding accountancy practice in Chorley, where you will have the opportunity to take ownership of your clients and manage a diverse portfolio. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth, offering continuous development opportunities and a collaborative environment that values your contributions. With competitive benefits and a commitment to employee well-being, we are dedicated to making your career both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Financial Controller in Preston
✨Get Involved in Financial Networks
Join local financial associations or forums where you can connect with professionals in financial-controlling. Networking events often lead to temporary positions, as companies look for quick hires when they need extra hands.
✨Showcase Your Skills on Temporary Job Boards
Focus on platforms that specifically cater to temporary roles in finance. Sites like Reed or Totaljobs often list short-term gigs that are perfect for getting your foot in the door, and you can apply directly through our website for roles at Accountable Recruitment.
✨Leverage Your Uni's Career Services
If you're still in university, tap into your career services for internship or temporary job placements. They often have insider info on companies like Accountable Recruitment looking for temporary financial support, and they might help you polish your pitch.
✨Flexible Availability is Key
For temporary positions in financial-controlling, your availability can make a huge difference. Highlight your willingness to start immediately or work irregular hours when speaking to employers. This flexibility can land you that sought-after role!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Financial Controller in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Aces:In the financial controlling game, grades and relevant certifications can make a significant difference. Be sure to highlight your academic achievements, like finance-related coursework and any professional certifications you’ve got on your CV that show you’re clued up in this area. It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just good at numbers but also know your stuff!
Quantify Your Achievements:When applying for a temporary role in financial controlling, make sure your CV reflects any previous experience with real, measurable outcomes. Use numbers to showcase your past successes, like percentage improvements in budgeting or cost savings you’ve achieved in previous roles. This not only gives us insights into your capabilities but also tells us you're results-driven.
Personalise Your Application:We love seeing applicants who take the time to tailor their applications! In your cover letter, mention why you’re particularly interested in the temporary role with Accountable Recruitment and how your specific skills and experiences align with the job. Show us that you see this role as an opportunity to contribute, even if it's for a short stint!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to highlight your availability in your application. We’re interested in knowing how soon you can start and if you’re open to working flexible hours. This shows us your eagerness to jump right in and adapt to the dynamic needs of our team at Accountable Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Accountable Recruitment
✨Get Hands-On with Financial Tools
Being in financial controlling means you’ll likely be working with various software like Excel, Power BI, or even SAP. Make sure you brush up on these tools and prepare to discuss your experience using them. Being able to reference specific projects or analyses where you employed these programs will definitely give you an edge.
✨Prepare for Technical Financial Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to analyse financial statements or suggest budgetary strategies during the interview. Practising common financial concepts like variance analysis or cost control measures will not only boost your confidence but also prove your suitability for the role.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Adaptability
As this is a temporary position, the interviewers will want to see that you can hit the ground running. Be sure to highlight any previous short-term roles or projects where you successfully adapted to new environments quickly – this will showcase your readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Precision
In financial controlling, attention to detail is absolutely crucial. Be ready to provide examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to spot discrepancies and ensure accuracy in financial reporting. Your precision could be the factor that sets you apart in a temporary role like this one!
