Financial Controller - SME in Milton Keynes

Job Title: Financial Controller / Finance Director

Salary: £75,000 – £80,000

Location: Marlow

Business Size: £10m Revenue SME

Reporting to: Managing Director / CEO

Direct Reports: Small finance team (e.g., Management Accountant, Accounts Assistant)

About the Company

We are an ambitious, high-growth SME with c.£10m annual turnover, operating in a fast-moving and entrepreneurial environment. As we continue to scale, we are seeking a commercially minded and analytically driven Financial Controller / Finance Director to take full ownership of the finance function and play a pivotal role in shaping our financial strategy.

Role Overview

This is a hands-on, progressive leadership role suited to a dynamic finance professional who thrives in an SME environment. You will oversee all financial operations, ensure robust reporting, and act as a strategic partner to the senior leadership team. You will drive insight, efficiency, and financial discipline across the business while supporting the next phase of growth.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the finance function, driving continuous improvement, efficiency and financial control.
• Partner with the MD/CEO and senior team to influence strategic direction and commercial decision-making.
• Prepare financial forecasts, long-term plans, and scenario analyses to support strategic growth initiatives.
• Provide challenge and insight to improve profitability, margin performance and cash generation.

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Own monthly management accounts, board packs and KPI reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Develop and refine financial dashboards, analytical tools and business intelligence reporting.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting cycles, ensuring alignment across functions.
• Ensure robust cashflow forecasting, working capital management and treasury oversight.

Controls, Governance & Compliance

• Strengthen internal controls, policies and financial processes in line with best practice.
• Oversee statutory accounts, tax compliance, audit, and external advisor relationships.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and risk management across the business.

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop a small finance team, building a high-performance culture.
• Encourage continuous learning, ownership, and cross-functional collaboration.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Champion systems enhancements and automation to boost efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Drive digital and process transformation across finance and operational areas.

About You (Skills, Experience & Behaviours)

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA).
• Proven experience in an SME environment, ideally in a fast-paced or growth-oriented business.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights.
• Commercially astute with a track record of improving profitability and operational performance.
• Hands-on and proactive, comfortable balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day activity.
• Excellent communicator, able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience implementing systems, processes or automation improvements.
• A progressive, forward-thinking leader who brings energy, challenge and a growth mindset.

What We Offer

• Salary: £75,000 – £80,000
• Opportunity to step into a truly influential role within a growing SME.
• Autonomy to shape the finance function and drive strategic impact.
• Collaborative culture with direct access to the leadership team.
• Potential future progression to full Finance Director (if initially hired at FC level).