At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and drive profitability in a rapidly growing business.
- Company: Dynamic, family-owned business with a strong growth trajectory.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for career advancement, and a hands-on role.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and influence the future direction of the company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy and operations in a thriving environment.
- Qualifications: CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified or strong QBE with finance management experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This highly entrepreneurial, family owned business has grown substantially in the last few years and is forecasting revenues in excess of £30m for the next financial year. Highly profitable and cash rich, they are now reaping the benefits of investment in new equipment and machinery which has enabled them to improve operational efficiency and attract long term contracts with larger customers.
They are now looking to recruit a dynamic and ambitious Financial Controller to manage the company finances and help drive the profitability and growth of the business. Reporting into the Directors, this individual will be the Head of Finance, forming a key part of the management team and will be expected to play a major role in decision making. Managing a small finance department, you will drive greater understanding of costs and margins to improve performance whilst also making sense of complex revenue streams and high volumes of transactions.
There is real scope here for someone to make an impact by driving cost reduction and efficiency, influence the strategic direction of the business and ultimately pave the way to a future FD position as they continue to grow.
The key duties of the Financial Controller will be:
- Produce monthly management accounts with commentary
- Develop KPIs and MI pack for the board
- Provide analysis of costs and process efficiency
- Create the annual budget and report variances
- Drive commercial / financial awareness in each department
- Cashflow management, banking and financial forecasting
- Managing the year end with full audit liaison
- Oversee wages, PAYE, NI and HMRC matters
- Manage and develop the transactional accounting team
- Provide advice on cash and external financing options
- Support long term strategic planning
As a business, they are always looking for commercial opportunities so you can also expect to have to react quickly and offer financial judgement on different business cases that come along. A key aspect of the role will be understanding how the finance department can support operations and drive performance. Great communication skills and credibility will be essential as you will be expected to challenge and question the current set up and make recommendations to stakeholders that can drive change and improve processes.
Experience of using SAGE would be very useful in this role along with a degree of comfort with operational and business management systems. The ideal candidate for this vacancy must preferably be CIMA or ACCA / ACA qualified or strong QBE with experience of managing the finance function for a growing SME. This will definitely be a hands-on role and there will be some quick wins allowing you to rapidly establish yourself as a valued member of the senior team.
Financial Controller employer: AFR Consulting
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing manufacturing and retail business in Blackburn, where your contributions as a Purchase Ledger Clerk will be valued and recognised. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and offers opportunities for growth, you will thrive in an environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Enjoy competitive benefits and the chance to be part of a team that is shaping the future of the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like AFR Consulting. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from AFR Consulting.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like AFR Consulting. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in AFR Consulting and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show AFR Consulting how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at AFR Consulting
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with AFR Consulting.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with AFR Consulting's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!