Finance Controller - Freight Services in Warrington

Finance Controller - Freight Services in Warrington

Warrington Full-Time 60000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
GBA Logistics

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial activities and improve reporting for our Freight Services business unit.
  • Company: GBA Logistics, a trusted provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, health care, and learning support.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and development.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the logistics industry.
  • Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong finance and reporting skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.

We're Hiring a Finance Controller (Freight Services) at GBA Logistics

Location: Warrington, hybrid working (2 days WFH and 3 days in the office)

Full time, permanent contract

Salary: £60,000 - 70,000 & Car Allowance

Are you a qualified finance leader with logistics industry experience who can build robust financial controls, accelerate month-end reporting and provide the commercial insight needed to drive performance across a growing international business?

The Role

As the Freight Services Financial Controller, you will be the dedicated finance lead for our Freight Services business unit, responsible for strengthening financial control, implementing robust processes and improving reporting across the UK and Europe. Working initially as a standalone role, supported by the Group Transactions Team and third-party European accountants, you will implement an effective TMS and month-end close, improve management information and achieve prior-month reporting within three weeks of period end.

What We Offer

  • Holiday loyalty scheme
  • Learning & development support
  • Inclusive culture with employee resource groups
  • Flexibility of hybrid working
  • Company Health Care Scheme
  • Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Package
  • Sick Pay Scheme
  • Bike2Work Scheme

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all financial activities for the Freight Services business unit, acting as the primary finance business partner to operational and commercial leaders.
  • Design and implement robust financial controls, processes and governance frameworks to improve financial accuracy and compliance.
  • Drive the implementation and optimisation of the Transport Management System (TMS) and associated finance processes.
  • Improve month-end close procedures and deliver timely, accurate management reporting, with a target of producing prior-month results within three weeks of period end.
  • Develop meaningful management information and financial reporting to support operational and strategic decision-making.
  • Manage freight forwarding financial activities, including job profitability, accruals, unbilled revenue, cost completeness, gross margin reporting and foreign currency exposure.
  • Oversee multi-entity financial reporting, intercompany reconciliations, balance sheet controls, cash flow and working capital management.
  • Ensure compliance with statutory reporting, audit requirements and financial regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Work closely with the Group Transactions Team and third-party European accountants to ensure consistent and accurate financial reporting.
  • Challenge and influence operational and commercial stakeholders to improve financial performance and accountability.
  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, standardisation and finance transformation across the business.
  • Support the future development and growth of the finance function, including establishing team structures as the business expands.

About You

  • Fully qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA, CIMA or a recognised international equivalent (essential)
  • Current professional membership and evidence of ongoing CPD (essential)
  • Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP/FRS 102, financial controls and statutory reporting requirements (essential)
  • Advanced Excel skills and demonstrable competence using finance, ERP and TMS platforms (essential)
  • Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related discipline (desirable)
  • Formal training in project management, change management, Lean or process improvement (desirable)
  • Knowledge of IFRS, European accounting requirements, VAT and multi-currency reporting (desirable)
  • Power BI, data analytics or management-information reporting training (desirable)
  • Previous training or certification relating to TMS or finance-system implementation (desirable)
  • Experience supporting operations across multiple countries, including working directly with third-party accountants in Europe (essential)
  • Proven ability to operate as a standalone or lead finance professional while working with a shared transactions or central finance team (essential)
  • Experience developing dashboards and management information using Power BI or similar reporting tools (desirable)
  • Strong knowledge of freight-forwarding finance, including shipment accounting, revenue recognition, job costing, unbilled revenue, accruals, cost completeness and job-level profitability (essential)
  • Experience recruiting, developing or building finance team (desirable)
  • Knowledge of CargoWise, 1TMS or similar freight management systems (desirable)

About Us

GBA Logistics is a trusted provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions, delivering reliable freight, warehousing, and distribution services across multiple industries and countries. Backed by smart technology and a skilled team, we prioritise speed, transparency, and customer satisfaction every step of the way. We're committed to operational excellence, sustainability, and creating an inclusive workplace where people thrive. We are an equal opportunities employer. Our people have made us the success that we are today and are the key to our continued growth moving forwards. We recognise the unique and valuable contributions that arise from a diverse and inclusive workforce built up from people with different backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and skillsets, that when combined together, help our business to thrive.

Our recruitment process is fair and equitable to ensure that all candidates are duly considered and supported. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our Recruitment Team via recruit@gbalogistics.com. Please note that due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to everyone individually. However, if you would like feedback on your application, feel free to reach out to us directly.

Finance Controller - Freight Services in Warrington employer: GBA Logistics

GBA Logistics is an exceptional employer, offering HGV Class 1 Drivers in Warrington a competitive salary of £46,000 alongside a flexible 4 on 4 off shift pattern that promotes a healthy work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee development, comprehensive healthcare benefits, and a rewarding holiday loyalty scheme, GBA Logistics fosters a supportive and dynamic work culture where drivers can thrive and grow in their careers.

GBA Logistics

Contact Details:

GBA Logistics Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Controller - Freight Services in Warrington

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 GBA Logistics. 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 Finance Controller - Freight Services in Warrington

Financial Control
Month-End Reporting
Transport Management System (TMS)
Management Information
Statutory Reporting
UK GAAP/FRS 102
Advanced Excel Skills

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 GBA Logistics.

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 GBA Logistics'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 GBA Logistics

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 GBA Logistics.

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 GBA Logistics 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 GBA Logistics 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.