At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and modernise systems in a growing company.
- Company: Expanding SME with a strong management team and loyal customer base.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for career advancement, and hands-on leadership experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to progress to Finance Director role in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a thriving business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Finance Manager or Controller in a growing SME.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
This expanding company supplies both trade and retail customers with a vast range of products and services via a number of depots across the North West. Privately owned and led by an ambitious MD and management team, they are now planning for the future and seek to recruit an experienced Financial Controller to take ownership of the financial function. The business is profitable and has performed strongly over the last twelve months, largely due to competitive pricing and excellent service which has generated a loyal customer following. Turnover this year is expected to be in the region of £12 -14m and the current finance department needs some modernisation and leadership to cope with the increasing volumes of activity.
The ideal candidate for this role must therefore have experience of working in a growing SME and the ability to develop and improve systems and processes to suit the needs of the business. The key duties associated with this position will be:
- Responsibility for the production of monthly management accounts
- Producing MI and ad hoc reports for the board
- Budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management
- Liaising with branch managers to improve depot reporting
- Improve reporting on sales and stock
- Supervising a small transactional team
- Statutory accounts and audit liaison
- Supporting strategic objectives and optimising financial performance
This will be a very hands-on role requiring the management and development of a small team, so suitable applicants must have experience at Finance Manager / Financial Controller level with a growing SME. There will be a heavy bias towards process improvement and modernisation; they operate a bespoke system that records high volumes of sales to a wide range of customers and as such, an individual who is IT savvy and able to develop and improve reports from this would be attractive.
A key part of this role will be to provide meaningful analysis to support the management team in commercial decision making, including potential investments / Capex appraisals in addition to ongoing cost reduction opportunities. This position has the potential to become a Finance Director role in the future, so if you are looking for an opportunity with a growing, successful business please apply without delay!
Financial Controller in Preston employer: AFR Consulting Careers
Join a dynamic team in Cheadle Hulme where your expertise as a Management Accountant will be valued and rewarded. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, you will enjoy competitive benefits including 25 days of holiday, free on-site parking, and comprehensive healthcare options. This role offers the perfect opportunity for those seeking meaningful employment with a focus on work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Preston
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like AFR Consulting Careers. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to AFR Consulting Careers.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on AFR Consulting Careers's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AFR Consulting Careers
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with AFR Consulting Careers.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at AFR Consulting Careers will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former AFR Consulting Careers employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
