Financial Controller in Knighton

Clayton Engineering Limited specialise in the design and manufacture of launch and recovery equipment for lifeboats.

As part of the RNLI, we support them to save lives at sea by manufacturing high quality equipment and sustaining its life in service.

Our vehicles are often featured on the BBC TV Program 'Saving Lives at Sea’ and can be seen at many of the RNLI Boathouses across the country.

The company has a site based in Knighton in Mid Wales on the Powys / Shropshire / Herefordshire border.

Easily commutable from Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Leominster or Hereford.

Job Overview

Reporting to the CEO and providing regular financial reporting and insight to the CEL Board, the Financial Controller is responsible for ensuring the financial health, sustainability and effective financial management of the organisation.

This is a broad and hands-on role that encompasses the full spectrum of finance activities, from day-to-day financial operations and compliance through to strategic financial planning, analysis and decision support.

The successful candidate will be comfortable operating at both detailed transactional level and senior strategic level, adapting their approach to meet the needs of the business.

The Financial Controller will act as the organisation's finance subject matter expert, providing guidance, training and support to colleagues involved in finance-related activities across the business.

While the role has no direct line management responsibility, it requires strong leadership, influencing and relationship-building skills to promote financial best practice and support organisational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management and Reporting
• Provide a comprehensive management accounting service to managers, the CEO and the CEL Board, including:
• Monthly management accounts and performance reporting.
• Budget preparation, forecasting and financial planning.
• Cash flow management and reporting.
• Contract accounting and profitability analysis.
• Financial analysis, interpretation and business insight.
• Ad hoc financial reporting and decision support.
• Prepare and deliver accurate, timely and meaningful financial information to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Provide a full set of statutory year-end accounts for consolidation purposes.
• Support the preparation of consolidated accounts and liaise with external auditors as required.
• Ensure appropriate finance representation and input at management and project meetings.
• Financial Governance, Controls and Compliance
• Maintain and continuously improve the organisation's financial governance framework, ensuring robust financial controls, policies and procedures are in place and operating effectively.
• Ensure financial processes align with organisational requirements and, where applicable, harmonise with RNLI financial policies and standards.
• Monitor and maintain effective financial controls within the ERP environment.
• Manage compliance with all relevant financial and statutory requirements, including VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax and payroll obligations.
• Coordinate audit activities, respond to audit findings and recommendations, and oversee the implementation of agreed improvements.
• Keep abreast of legislative, regulatory and accounting changes, ensuring ongoing compliance and best practice.
• Other
• Act as a trusted finance advisor to managers and colleagues across the organisation.
• Provide training, guidance, coaching and support to employees undertaking finance-related responsibilities.
• Promote financial awareness, accountability and good financial practice throughout the organisation.
• Develop and maintain financial guidance, procedures and supporting documentation for both financial and non-financial colleagues.
• Work collaboratively with RNLI finance teams and internal stakeholders to support the ongoing development of the company.
• Undertake additional duties and projects as required to support the effective operation of the business.

Qualifications and Technical Knowledge

• Degree in Finance, Accounting or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of management accounting principles, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and financial reporting.
• Sound knowledge of financial controls, governance, compliance and statutory reporting requirements.
• Good understanding of ERP systems and their role in financial reporting and process improvement.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences.
• Good working knowledge of Winman.
• Experience of Sage 50 Payroll.
• Project management knowledge or qualifications.

Experience

• Significant management accounting experience.
• Experience operating in a broad finance role encompassing both operational and strategic responsibilities.
• Experience preparing statutory and management accounts.
• Experience of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
• Experience supporting senior leaders with financial analysis, business insight and decision-making.
• Experience developing or improving financial systems, processes and controls.
• Experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Personal Attributes and Competencies
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels, with a willingness to undertake all aspects of the finance function when required.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to guide, support and develop others without direct line management responsibility.
• Commercially aware, with a strong understanding of business performance drivers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and identify practical solutions.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Continuous improvement mindset and a proactive approach to change.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Professional, resilient and able to perform effectively under pressure.
• Hands‑on and accountable, with a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
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