At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive process improvements in a rapidly growing manufacturing business.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing company poised for significant growth post-merger.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for remote work, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Hands-on role with a collaborative team environment and excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a transformative phase and grow into a Finance Director role.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance within manufacturing, strong ERP knowledge, and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 95000 £ per year.
Halliday Marx have embarked on a Retained Assignment to hire an exceptional Financial Controller to join a highly ambitious and rapidly scaling manufacturing business.
Location: St Albans
Salary: £85,000–£95,000 (DOE)
Looking to join a business at a pivotal stage of growth and transformation? Following a merger the company is expected to treble in size within 2-3 years through both organic growth and strategic acquisition. This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced finance professional ready to take genuine ownership of the day-to-day finance function, with the commercial capability and ambition to grow into a Finance Director as the group scales.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Managing Director and working alongside the CFO, the Financial Controller will have full ownership of the operational finance function across the group, overseeing two accounts team members. You will play a key role in ERP optimisation, finance process improvement, reporting improvements, and business integration, in a company where finance is a genuine strategic partner to growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Full ownership of day-to-day finance
- Accurate and timely monthly management information
- Cash flow forecasting, working capital management and financial planning
- Driving ERP consolidation and finance process improvement
- Leading automation initiatives and identifying opportunities to leverage AI in a modern finance and accounting tech stack
- Genuine business partnering with operational, engineering and commercial teams
- Managing and developing finance and accounts staff
- Supporting the Managing Director with tailored management information
- Strengthening controls and finance infrastructure as the group scales
Manufacturing & Operational Finance
A strong manufacturing or engineering background is desirable. The successful candidate will have hands-on experience of WIP reporting and controls, bills of materials, manufacturing costing and margin analysis, sales order flow through ERP systems, inventory and stock reporting, and multi-site operational finance. You will be equally comfortable on the shop floor and in the boardroom and powerful communication skills are highly desirable.
The Candidate
You are likely an experienced Financial Controller or Finance Manager from a manufacturing or engineering environment, technically strong across reporting, forecasting and controls, and commercially minded. You will be experienced with ERP systems — ideally Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central — and a proven driver of automation and process improvement. Ambition to develop, learn and progress to Finance Director as principal commercial lead within the business is desirable.
Location & Working Pattern
The role is based in St Albans with occasional travel between this and other locations. One to two remote working days per week are available but preference is for a leadership candidate that likes to be surrounded by their team and involved in day to day decisions.
Financial Controller in St Albans employer: Halliday Marx
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing manufacturing business in St Albans, where you will have the opportunity to take ownership of the finance function and play a pivotal role in the company's transformation. With a strong emphasis on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the potential for career progression to Finance Director, this is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. 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 researching the company’s recent growth and challenges. Tailor your answers to show how your experience with ERP systems and process improvements can help them scale effectively. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your hands-on experience in operational finance and team management makes you the ideal candidate. Keep it concise and impactful – you want to leave them wanting more!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Financial Controller role!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Controller. Highlight your experience in manufacturing finance, ERP systems, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our ambitious growth plans!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to our transformation. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love a bit of character!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your financial acumen and leadership skills. Whether it's improving processes or driving automation, we want to know how you've made an impact in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Halliday Marx
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and forecasting. Brush up on key metrics relevant to the manufacturing sector, such as WIP reporting and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've improved financial processes in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so it’s crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've developed finance staff or led initiatives that drove process improvements. This will show that you’re not just technically skilled but also capable of inspiring and guiding a team.
✨Understand ERP Systems
Familiarity with ERP systems, especially Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, is a must. Be prepared to discuss your experience with ERP optimisation and any automation initiatives you've led. This will demonstrate your ability to leverage technology for financial efficiency.
✨Be a Business Partner
The company values finance as a strategic partner. Think about how you can communicate effectively with operational and commercial teams. Prepare to share examples of how you've collaborated across departments to drive business growth and improve financial outcomes.
