Financial Controller in Northampton

Location: Blackstar HQ, Northampton, UK – office based

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.

The role: We are recruiting an experienced and commercially minded Financial Controller 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. Blackstar is a world‑class company which operates at a very high pace and is constantly evolving its business model proposition. The successful candidate will have a hands‑on approach to financial management, a clear cadence for month‑end and forecasting, and a high degree of energy and commitment. The Financial Controller owns the financial close, controls and reporting, and line‑manages the Supply Chain Manager to protect service (On Time In Full), cash headroom and margin. The role partners closely with Sales, Operations, R&D and Marketing to ensure NPD business cases, costing and product launch readiness are financially sound. There is a strong international aspect, including overseeing the stocking and logistical aspects of supply chain management of the two main Chinese contract manufacturers and shipments to the worldwide distribution network and UK self‑distribution set‑up. For the right person – this will be the dream job.

Key aspects of the role:

• Financial control and reporting: Own the month‑end close and produce a concise, accurate management accounts pack and KPI dashboard for the EMT and Board. Own 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.

A valued team player. The Financial Controller is both a key operational role and a commercial one. Working with the Executive team, you will contribute to annual business planning and implementation. You will have a company‑first attitude and a “whatever it takes to get the job done” approach. You will be a reliable and enthusiastic team player and always be ready to get stuck into opportunities for improvement, both in Finance and other areas of the business. The FC is a commercial cornerstone within the company and is the source of reliable data, forecasting and insight to all other departments.

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.
• 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 info:

• Salary + Bonus scheme (target range £65,000 – £75,000 base depending on experience).
• 25 days annual leave (plus one day annually after the second work anniversary, up to a maximum of 30 days).
• Death in service; gym membership; staff purchase scheme; occasional gig tickets.
• Office hours are 8:00am – 5:00pm (1 hour lunch) Monday to Friday.
• 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.
• 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.

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.