Financial Controller in Manchester

A well established, UK based manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to step into a critical, hands on leadership role following the simultaneous departure of two senior finance team members. Reporting directly to the CFO, this appointment is central to stabilising and strengthening the management accounting function while providing trusted, day to day financial leadership across the business.

This is a fully onsite role in Leicester and will suit a finance professional who enjoys being operationally embedded, visible and close to the commercial heartbeat of a fast moving environment.

The Opportunity

The incoming Financial Controller will take full ownership of management accounting, reporting and financial control, acting as a safe pair of hands for the CFO as they increasingly focus on broader, non finance responsibilities. The immediate priority is to personally own and deliver accurate, timely management accounts and reporting, while also providing leadership, governance and stability during a period of transition. Over time, the role will evolve to include rebuilding management accounting capability and supporting the development of internal talent. This is not a purely strategic or “hands off” FC role. The business is seeking someone who is comfortable rolling their sleeves up, leading from the front and operating both at detail level and with senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Full ownership of monthly management accounts, reporting and analysis
• Leading month end close activities, timetables and financial controls
• Providing robust balance sheet oversight and reconciliation discipline
• Delivering clear, accurate financial insight to the CFO, C suite and Board
• Supporting operational teams with commercial finance insight and decision making
• Maintaining strong financial governance and compliance standards
• Working with existing treasury processes, including cashflow forecasting (no requirement to redesign what already works)
• Supporting pricing, costing and margin understanding across the business
• Playing a key role in strengthening internal controls, accounting processes and financial discipline
• In time, recruiting and building out management accounting capability within the team

Measures of Success

• Consistent, on time delivery of high quality monthly reporting packs
• Clear ownership and explanation of financial performance, including profit bridges versus budget and prior year
• Strong working relationships with operational leaders and senior stakeholders
• Accurate forecasting, including EBITDA and capital expenditure planning
• Visible leadership presence within the finance function and wider business

Candidate Profile

Essential Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
• Significant post qualification experience (circa 10+ years) in hands on finance roles
• Strong, proven background in management accounting and financial control
• Comfortable operating with limited immediate team support during transition
• Able to flex between detailed accounting work and senior stakeholder engagement
• Confident in an onsite manufacturing environment and operational setting
• Willing and able to be fully office based in Leicester

Desirable

• Exposure to tax matters (recognised as an area where the CFO would welcome additional strength)
• Background combining practice training with subsequent industry experience

Style & Approach

• Practical, grounded and delivery focused
• Approachable and visible across the business
• Supportive of developing internal talent and succession (including mentoring junior team members)
• Strong attention to detail, integrity and organisational discipline

The Package

£80,000 – £90,000 base salary, aligned to market for a hands on, operational FC. Fully onsite role, Leicester. Opportunity to play a pivotal role in stabilising and shaping the finance function. Direct access to, and trust from, an experienced CFO.