At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial controls, reporting, and process improvement in a growing engineering group.
- Company: PE-backed engineering group with ambitious scale-up plans.
- Benefits: Salary up to £80,000, 4 days in office, and leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the financial backbone of a complex organisation and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: Strong financial control experience and leadership skills in fast-growing environments.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and visibility at board level.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
A PE-backed engineering group with long-term investment and ambitious scale-up plans is seeking a Financial Controller to build and lead a robust, high-quality financial control and operational finance function. This is a key leadership role, reporting directly to the CFO and working closely with the senior leadership team. You will take ownership of core financial controls, reporting and process improvement, ensuring the finance function is fit for growth, scrutiny and future investment activity.
The Role
- Own the integrity of balance sheet controls, month-end close and management accounts.
- Produce accurate, timely management reporting with clear variance analysis and insightful commentary.
- Lead the year-end audit process and preparation of statutory financial statements.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and cashflow forecasting processes.
- Drive continuous improvement and automation across financial operations and controls.
- Lead the development and optimisation of accounting systems, and support implementation of enhanced reporting tools.
- Partner with operational leaders to develop meaningful business performance reporting.
- Manage, develop and upskill the accounting team, fostering a culture of precision, accountability and continuous improvement.
The Opportunity
This role offers the opportunity to shape and strengthen the financial backbone of a growing, complex organisation. You will have real ownership, visibility at board and investor level, and the mandate to improve systems, controls and ways of working as the business scales.
About You
You are likely to bring:
- Strong financial control and accounting experience within a complex or fast-growing environment.
- Happy to work in the detail whilst providing strategic insight.
- A track record of owning month-end, balance sheet integrity, audit and statutory reporting.
- Experience of establishing, implementing and improving finance processes, controls and systems.
- Confidence partnering with senior operational stakeholders.
- Leadership capability, with experience developing and motivating finance teams.
- Experience in a PE-backed, engineering, manufacturing or project-based environment is advantageous but not essential.
Package
Salary up to £80,000. Full-time role, 4 days per week in the office (Cambridgeshire).
Financial Controller employer: Blackwaters Consulting Group
Contact Detail:
Blackwaters Consulting Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s financial practices and recent news. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around financial controls and process improvements. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your past achievements in financial control and team leadership. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive continuous improvement and automation in finance operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that Financial Controller role!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in financial control, month-end processes, and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our PE-backed engineering group. Share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or led teams in the past. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Did you streamline a process that saved time or money? Did you lead a successful audit? We love numbers and results, so make sure to include them!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackwaters Consulting Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial controls and reporting. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed month-end closes and balance sheet integrity in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing and developing a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've motivated and upskilled your team in the past. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved team performance or financial processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific financial challenges or improve existing processes. Think of examples from your experience where you've successfully implemented changes or driven continuous improvement in financial operations.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the engineering sector and the specific challenges it faces. Be ready to discuss how your financial insights can support operational leaders and contribute to the company's growth and investment strategies.