Financial Controller in Essex

Get Recruited is proud to be partnering with a well-established and growing SME who are seeking a Financial Controller to take ownership of their finance function and lead a small team of two. Reporting directly to the UK Managing Director, you will play a key role in overseeing all day-to-day financial operations, including management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management and business partnering, while also acting as the go-to contact for HR and compliance matters. This is an exceptional opportunity for a hands-on finance professional with strong SME experience who is ready to make a real impact within a dynamic and ambitious business.

Main Duties:

• Lead, develop and manage the Accounts team, ensuring effective day-to-day financial operations.
• Oversee all company bank accounts and ensure compliance with agreed financial limits.
• Produce monthly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, variance reports and performance analysis.
• Prepare statutory accounts, corporation tax returns and branch reports, liaising with external auditors and accountants.
• Manage payroll for UK and Ireland, including P11D and P46 submissions, and ensure compliance with all HMRC obligations.
• Lead the year-end audit process, stock valuation and stocktake activities.
• Deliver profit forecasts, annual budgets, and variance/trend analyses for senior management and Group reporting.
• Oversee cashflow, cost control and business performance reviews, providing commercial insight to support strategic decisions.
• Manage administrative functions including pensions, insurance, utilities, company vehicles and statutory filings.
• Act as the primary HR contact for the business, supporting policy compliance and employee matters.
• Maintain strong relationships with banks, insurers, auditors and external partners.
• Contribute as a key member of the Senior Management Team, deputising for the Managing Director as required.

The Person:

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA), part qualified or QBE with strong experience in an SME or manufacturing environment.
• Must have experience of working in a Financial Controller, Senior Management Accountant, Finance Manager or Head of Finance role.
• Proven experience leading a finance function with hands-on involvement in operations and reporting would be preferable.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills, with a proactive and solution-driven approach.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management abilities.

To apply for the Financial Controller opportunity, please send your CV for the Financial Controller via the advertisement for immediate consideration. We are an equal opportunities employer and we never charge candidates a fee for our services.