Financial Controller in Northampton

About the company

Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians and music lovers who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great sound. Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation within all of our products. Blackstar, and Carry‑on by Blackstar products, are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tools for self‑expression. Blackstar is a unique environment; it is professional and process‑orientated, yet at the same time very dynamic and a fun place to work. Our company values promote equality, diversity and inclusion. Our team are experts in their field, passionate about music and driven to be the most professional company in the industry. We have a growth mentality; the business is very dynamic and we are constantly striving to grow the business with a true entrepreneurial spirit. If you approach your work with pride, want to be the best and help to grow our global brand to its full potential, we would love to hear from you.

Position summary

Location: Blackstar HQ, Northampton, UK – office based

Financial Controller – an experienced and commercially minded professional to work alongside the Managing Director and Executive Management Team to facilitate Blackstar’s ambitious business objectives. The role reports to the Managing Director initially; once appointed, it will report to the part‑time Finance Director.

Key aspects of the role

• Financial control and reporting – own the month‑end close, produce concise, accurate management accounts and KPI dashboards for the EMT and Board.
• Short‑term cash forecasting and liquidity visibility, including invoice‑finance availability and headroom.
• Coordinate external audit and own the statutory accounts timetable; meet all statutory and fiscal requirements.

Lead the Blackstar finance function

• Lead the finance team to the highest standards of accuracy and integrity; coach and develop the Management Accountant and transactional finance.
• Ensure financial systems and processes are appropriate and fit for purpose across P2P, O2C, R2R, Payroll and Master Data.
• Drive practical automation to reduce cycle time and manual error.

Oversee the Blackstar supply chain function

• Line‑manage the Supply Chain Manager and set targets for OTIF, inventory turns and stock accuracy.
• Oversee the logistical and supply management of global contract manufacturers and 3PL providers; ensure timely shipments to the worldwide distribution network.
• Maintain accurate data on the company’s ERP system, OnOrder, landed‑cost assumptions and availability signals to Sales; review stock requirements.

Main responsibilities

• Overall control of the accounting function.
• Month‑end close and management reporting cadence to EMT and Board.
• Short‑term cash forecasting and liquidity visibility (including invoice‑finance availability and headroom).
• Formulating targets and budgets in accordance with the company’s strategy; variance analysis versus budget and forecast.
• Overseeing financial transactions, accounting and audit systems; meeting all statutory and fiscal requirements.
• Ensuring that financial systems are appropriate and fit for purpose; maintaining documented processes across P2P, O2C, R2R, Payroll and Master Data.
• Ensuring Payroll, employee benefits and all aspects of remuneration are appropriate and affordable.

Key Supply Chain / Logistics

• Overseeing the logistical / supply management of the company suppliers, primarily the two main Chinese contract manufacturers and 3PL providers.
• Working with the Managing Director and Director of Business Operations on the long‑term supply chain (manufacturing) plan.
• Ensuring On‑Time‑In‑Full (OTIF) shipments and logistical arrangements to the 50+ worldwide distributors.
• Reviewing the stock requirements at the Asian logistical hub and the home and EU‑based 3PL distribution partners that feed the local distribution set‑up.

Qualifications and experience

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified accountant (or equivalent).
• At least 3 years in a similar Financial Controller role in a product‑based, manufacturing‑linked environment; multi‑currency experience advantageous.
• Strong inventory accounting and costing, including standard/landed cost and Incoterms awareness.
• Advanced analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A fluent English speaker.
• Excellent Excel & numerical skills.
• High level of attention to detail.
• A highly organised approach.
• An independent and self‑reliant approach.

Interests, personality and characteristics

• A passion for music with a desire to develop a career in the music‑instruments industry.
• An ambassador of the company with great interpersonal skills, but controlled analytical nature, able to build professional relationships with people at all levels.
• Ability to manage working time effectively and prioritise appropriately.
• Enthusiastic, conscientious, committed and dependable.
• Calm under pressure.
• A can‑do attitude and willingness to go the extra mile when required.

Package and information

• Salary + Bonus scheme (target range £65,000 – £75,000 base depending on experience).
• Workplace pension.
• 25 days annual leave (plus one day annually after the second work anniversary, up to a maximum of 30 days).
• Comprehensive private health insurance package.
• Death in service; gym membership; staff purchase scheme; occasional gig tickets.
• Office hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (1 hour lunch) Monday to Friday; and a willingness to work extra hours as and when required to achieve results.
• As a collaborative team, this is an office‑based role with up to one day per week flexibility in line with company policy.
• Occasional international travel may be required.
• As a business we appreciate that people have different needs (e.g. caring responsibilities). At Blackstar we always try to support our staff flexibly where practical and possible, working together to ensure the needs of the business are met.

EEO statement

Blackstar Amplification welcomes applications from all, irrespective of disability, gender, gender expression and identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality (subject to UKBA permission), trade union membership and activity, political or religious beliefs, socio‑economic background and any other distinction.

Application instructions

If you wish to apply, then please return a completed Blackstar application form, along with your CV and a brief video to introduce yourself in 60 seconds or less.