At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team, manage budgets, and provide strategic financial insights.
- Company: A long-established family-owned business group with a strong culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, 36 days holiday, and flexible working.
- Other info: Rare opportunity for significant influence and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a successful business and shape its financial future while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior finance roles and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.
Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment is delighted to be supporting, on an exclusive basis, a long-established family-owned business group in the search for a Financial Controller with route to Finance Director in Fife. For finance professionals who value trust, a broad remit, and meaningful relationships, opportunities like this are increasingly rare. The group (circa £75mill t/o across all entities) has achieved sustained growth over several decades whilst maintaining a genuine family-business culture where decisions are made quickly, contributions are recognised and people are encouraged to build long-term careers.
The Opportunity
As part of a planned succession process, the group is seeking a senior finance professional to join the leadership team in a broad and highly visible role. Reporting directly to the owners, you will take responsibility for the finance function across a portfolio of businesses, balancing strong financial control with commercial support and strategic input.
This is a role for someone who enjoys taking full ownership of the finance function. You'll be responsible for safeguarding the financial position of the group, financial reporting, strengthening controls, managing cash and risk, and providing trusted advice to the owners and business leaders. Whilst there is a strategic element, success will come from being a visible, hands-on leader who is comfortable operating both in the detail and at leadership level.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and developing the finance team
- Ownership of management accounts, budgeting and forecasting
- Managing year-end processes, audit and statutory compliance
- Managing cashflow, treasury and banking relationships
- Providing commercial insight and financial analysis to support business decisions
- Strengthening financial controls, reporting and processes across the group
- Supporting acquisitions, investments and strategic projects where required
- Acting as a trusted adviser to the owners and wider leadership team
The role offers significant scope to shape both the finance function and the position itself, while becoming an integral part of a well-established, healthy business.
The Candidate
This opportunity could suit an ambitious Accountant seeking to progress their career, or a finance leader who brings a strong blend of hands-on financial management, technical expertise and people leadership. Whether professionally qualified or qualified through experience, you will have developed a track record of providing robust financial stewardship, supporting business growth and influencing decision-making at a senior level.
You will likely offer:
- Experience in a senior finance leadership position
- Strong management reporting, budgeting and cashflow management expertise
- The ability to operate strategically whilst remaining hands-on when required
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- Experience working within an SME, owner-managed or privately owned business environment
- A proactive mindset and a willingness to challenge constructively
- A natural leadership style focused on collaboration and developing others
Just as important as experience will be cultural fit and how you build relationships with key stakeholders. You'll be someone who enjoys working directly with business owners, getting involved in the detail and helping a business continue to grow and evolve.
Benefits & Conditions
£75,000 - £95,000 salary depending on experience
Pension scheme
36 days holiday, increasing with length of service
Flexible working arrangements (with opportunity to work from home as required, but in-office presence preferred)
Potential longer-term equity participation opportunity
Direct exposure to owners and key decision-makers
Next Steps
Opportunities of this nature are rare. The combination of a successful family-owned business, genuine influence at leadership level, long-term stability and the opportunity to shape both the role and the future of the group creates an attractive proposition for the right individual. If you are looking for a role where you can combine hands-on leadership and influence, and become a trusted part of a successful owner-managed business, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Closing date is Wednesday 14th October.
Financial Controller / Finance Director in Kirkcaldy employer: Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment
At Cooper Parry, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Located in the vibrant city of Glasgow, our team enjoys a range of benefits including professional development opportunities, a supportive environment for career growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact within a busy professional services business. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your contributions and encourages you to thrive.
Contact Details:
Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller / Finance Director in Kirkcaldy
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller / Finance Director in Kirkcaldy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
