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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive strategic decision-making in a dynamic SME.
- Company: Reputable Exeter-based business with a strong customer base.
- Benefits: Influential role with autonomy, competitive salary, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a business ready for transformation.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager in an SME.
- Other info: Diverse workforce encouraged; make your mark in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This Exeter-based business has built a strong reputation and a loyal customer base over many years. They now want to professionalise and strengthen their finance function, and they’re hiring a Financial Controller to lead that alongside their Head of Finance.
This is a senior, influential role for someone who wants full ownership of finance in an SME, not a narrow slice of it.
The role
You’ll be the most senior finance person in the business, responsible for both control and commercial insight. Key responsibilities include:
- Full ownership of the finance function and team
- Monthly and annual reporting with real clarity and rigour
- Leading budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning
- Cashflow, working capital and risk management
- Improving controls, systems and financial governance
- Acting as a trusted adviser to the MD and senior leadership
This is about more than accurate numbers – it’s about raising the standard of decision‑making across the business.
What they’re looking for
This role will suit someone who:
- Has operated as a Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager in an SME
- Is confident owning the full finance remit
- Brings structure without slowing the business down
- Understands retail or product‑based environments
- Is commercially minded, not purely technical
You’ll be someone who can balance control with pragmatism, knowing when precision matters and when speed matters more.
Why this role?
Because you’ll shape how finance supports the business, not just how it reports on it. Because you’ll have influence, autonomy and visibility. Because the business is ready for a step‑change, and you’ll lead it.
If you’re looking for a Financial Controller role where you can genuinely leave your mark, this is a serious opportunity.
Gravitate values a diverse workforce. Women, people of colour, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.
Financial Controller in Exeter employer: Gravitate
Contact Detail:
Gravitate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in SMEs. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s financial landscape. Research their recent reports and be ready to discuss how you can bring structure and improve their finance function. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or someone in the finance team via LinkedIn. A friendly message can make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your skills sharp! Consider taking a short course on financial governance or risk management. This not only boosts your CV but also shows potential employers that you're committed to raising the bar in finance.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Ownership: In your application, make sure to highlight instances where you've taken ownership in your previous roles. We want to see how you've led finance functions and made impactful decisions that shaped the business.
Be Clear and Structured: When writing your application, keep it clear and structured. Use headings and bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. Remember, clarity is key in finance, so show us you can communicate effectively!
Demonstrate Commercial Insight: We’re looking for someone who understands the bigger picture. In your application, share examples of how you've used financial data to drive commercial decisions. Show us you can balance control with a commercial mindset.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gravitate
✨Understand the Business
Before your interview, take some time to research the company’s history, values, and recent developments. Knowing how they operate and their position in the market will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and influence. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully managed teams or projects, highlighting how you brought structure and improved processes without slowing down the business.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that assess your technical knowledge and experience in finance. Brush up on key concepts related to budgeting, forecasting, and financial governance. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these in previous roles, especially in an SME context.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the company’s future financial goals, challenges they face, or how they envision the finance function evolving. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in the role.
