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- Tasks: Lead financial reporting, budgeting, and performance analysis in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Respected manufacturing organisation offering autonomy and influence in finance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55,000 plus 10% bonus and supportive senior team.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on business growth while owning the finance function.
- Qualifications: CIMA qualified or QBE with strong manufacturing finance experience required.
- Other info: Join a progressive environment with opportunities for career advancement.
Are you an experienced manufacturing finance professional looking for a fully autonomous role where you can influence strategic decisions and drive performance? Do you enjoy owning the numbers, advising senior leaders and making a tangible impact on business growth?
Our client, a well-established manufacturing organisation, is seeking a hands-on Financial Controller to lead financial reporting, performance analysis and budgeting activities. This is a key position working closely with the Senior Management Team, providing accurate, timely and insightful financial information to support operational and strategic decision-making. Offering full ownership of the finance function day-to-day, this role suits a proactive, commercially minded accountant who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
You will take the lead on management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, COGS reporting and ERP performance, ensuring robust controls and a strong financial governance framework. Ideal applicants will bring proven experience from a manufacturing setting, strong analytical capability, excellent business partnering skills and confidence advising non-finance colleagues. CIMA-qualified or QBE with strong manufacturing experience will be considered.
Job Description- Prepare accurate and timely periodic Management Accounts and performance reports
- Oversee monthly balance sheet reconciliations
- Lead the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes
- Provide detailed, data-driven analysis of COGS, costing models and gross margin performance
- Act as SAGE X3 ERP lead, ensuring optimal use, robust processes and accurate reporting
- Maintain and improve financial controls, documentation and transactional processing
- Partner with Budget Holders, Production, Planning and Supply Chain to drive operational efficiency
- Support year-end audit activities and manage group reporting requirements
- Identify financial risks and opportunities, escalating issues where appropriate
- Contribute to special projects including business change, site expansion and process development
- CIMA qualified or QBE with strong manufacturing finance experience
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role
- Proven understanding of product costing, cost control and profitability improvement
- Strong experience with budgeting, forecasting and cost centre management
- Advanced Excel skills and working knowledge of ERP systems (preferably SAGE X3)
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills
- Ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and partner effectively with SMT
- Positive attitude, self-motivation and commercial awareness
- Experience with production planning or inventory control
- SQL report-writing skills or MRP understanding
This is an excellent opportunity to take full ownership of a finance function within a respected manufacturing business. Alongside a competitive salary of up to £55,000 plus 10% bonus, you’ll join a supportive senior team and play a key role in influencing future growth and performance. If you’re looking for autonomy, impact and a genuinely progressive environment, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply, please submit your CV by clicking on the relevant links. If successful, you will be contacted by one of our consultants within 3 working days. Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we expect to receive for this vacancy, if you do not hear from us within this time, you should presume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Financial Controller in Blackburn employer: Grassroots Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Grassroots Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing finance sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding of the manufacturing industry. Be ready to discuss how you can influence strategic decisions and drive performance. Show them you’re not just about the numbers, but also about making an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to partner with non-finance colleagues. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to build your confidence in explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for proactive candidates who are ready to take ownership of their roles. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Controller. Highlight your manufacturing finance experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can influence strategic decisions and drive performance!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you've achieved in your previous roles. Use numbers and specific examples to demonstrate your impact on business growth, especially in budgeting and forecasting.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for finance and how you enjoy partnering with senior management to make data-driven decisions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grassroots Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to own the numbers. Brush up on your financial reporting and performance analysis skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced strategic decisions in previous roles.
✨Master the Tools
Familiarise yourself with SAGE X3 ERP and any other relevant software. If you have experience with advanced Excel functions, be prepared to showcase that. You might even want to bring along a few examples of reports you've created.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your approach to budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis. Think of a time when your analytical skills led to a significant improvement in profitability or operational efficiency, and be ready to share that story.
✨Communicate Effectively
You'll be partnering with non-finance colleagues, so practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Highlight your experience in advising senior leaders and how your communication style has helped drive business growth.
