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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of finance operations and improve cashflow in a growing SME.
- Company: Dynamic engineering services company with a hands-on approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, key role in a growing business, and opportunity for impact.
- Other info: Office-based role in Epping with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in financial control and process improvement.
- Qualifications: 5-12 years in SME finance; strong cashflow and credit control skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
A growing £7m turnover SME operating in a subcontractor-led engineering/services environment is seeking a hands-on Financial Controller / Finance Manager to take ownership of day-to-day financial control and strengthen cashflow discipline as the business continues to scale. This is a key operational role reporting directly to the Managing Director. We are looking for a commercially aware finance professional who enjoys improving processes, tightening controls, and bringing clarity to a fast-moving SME environment. This is not a corporate reporting role — it is a practical, hands-on position with real responsibility and impact.
The Role
- You will take ownership of the company’s core finance operations and act as the key liaison with an external bookkeeper, ensuring the business maintains strong financial control and clear visibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Control & Reporting
- Oversee day-to-day finance operations
- Coordinate with the external bookkeeper to ensure accurate and timely accounts
- Support monthly close, reconciliations, and reporting
- Maintain strong financial records and internal controls
- Cashflow & Credit Control
- Own the accounts receivable function
- Actively manage aged debtors and improve cash collection
- Produce weekly cash position updates
- Support short- and medium-term cashflow forecasting
- Subcontractor & Supplier Oversight
- Manage subcontractor and engineer payment processes
- Ensure accurate approvals and payment schedules
- Conduct monthly supplier audits and cost reviews
- Identify billing discrepancies and cost leakage
- Process Improvement
- Bring together finance tasks currently split across the business
- Implement improved systems, controls, and reporting routines
- Support leadership with clearer financial visibility and margin awareness
About You
- You will likely have:
- 5–12 years’ experience in SME finance
- Experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller, or senior accounts lead
- Strong understanding of cashflow management and credit control
- Experience in a subcontractor-led, project-based, or engineering/services business (desirable)
- Strong Excel and accounting software experience (Xero, Sage, or similar)
- A practical, organised, and commercially aware mindset
Professional qualifications (AAT/ACCA/CIMA) are welcome but not essential — proven hands-on SME experience is key.
What Success Looks Like
- Within your first 6 months, you will have:
- Improved debtor control and cash collection
- Implemented clearer subcontractor and supplier payment processes
- Delivered reliable monthly reporting
- Brought stronger financial discipline and visibility to the business
Package
- £50,000–£65,000 depending on experience
- Office-based role in Epping
- Opportunity to play a key role in a growing and evolving SME
If you are a hands-on finance professional who enjoys building structure, improving cashflow, and making a tangible impact within a growing business, we would welcome your application.
Financial Controller / Finance Manager (Hands-On SME) in Essex employer: Buchan and London Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Buchan and London Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller / Finance Manager (Hands-On SME) in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in SMEs. They might know about openings before they're even advertised, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial operations and challenges, and think about how your hands-on experience can help them improve cashflow and tighten controls.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your practical skills during interviews. Bring examples of how you've improved processes or managed cashflow in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate that you’re not just about numbers but also about making a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller / Finance Manager (Hands-On SME) in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Financial Controller role. Highlight your hands-on finance experience, especially in cashflow management and process improvement, to show us you’re the right fit for our growing SME.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about finance and how your background aligns with our needs. Be specific about your achievements in previous roles, especially those that demonstrate your ability to improve processes and controls.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, focus on your experience in subcontractor-led environments or similar sectors. We want to see how you’ve successfully managed financial operations and improved cash collection in past roles, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchan and London Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around cashflow management and credit control. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you improved financial processes or managed cash collections effectively.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role is all about being practical and hands-on. Prepare to share stories that highlight your direct involvement in finance operations, such as overseeing day-to-day activities or implementing new systems. Make it clear how your actions led to tangible improvements.
✨Understand the Business Environment
Familiarise yourself with the subcontractor-led engineering/services sector. Research common challenges these businesses face and think about how your skills can help address them. This will show your commercial awareness and readiness to contribute from day one.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their current financial processes, challenges they’re facing, or how they envision the role evolving. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.