At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive process improvements in a rapidly growing manufacturing business.
- Company: Join a dynamic company poised for significant growth post-merger.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and flexible remote work options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression to Finance Director in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the financial future of a scaling organisation.
- 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 Watford employer: Halliday Marx
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing manufacturing business in St Albans, where your contributions as a Financial Controller will be pivotal to our ambitious growth journey. We offer a collaborative work culture that values innovation and employee development, with opportunities for career progression to Finance Director as the company scales. Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to make a real impact in a hands-on leadership role within a supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Watford
✨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 or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent growth and transformation. Understand their challenges and think about how your skills in ERP optimisation and financial planning can help them scale. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your hands-on experience in operational finance and your ambition to grow into a Finance Director align with their needs. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common interview questions until you feel like a superstar.
✨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 and engaged. So, get that application in and let’s make your dream job a reality!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Financial Controller role. Highlight your hands-on experience in finance, especially in manufacturing or engineering, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your background makes you the perfect candidate. Don’t forget to mention your ambition to grow into a Finance Director!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. We want to see how you’ve driven process improvements, managed teams, and contributed to financial success in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
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 leading a team through growth.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's recent merger and its implications for growth. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their strategic goals, especially in terms of ERP optimisation and automation. Showing that you understand their business challenges will set you apart.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to partner with various teams. Think about how you can convey your ideas clearly and confidently during the interview, especially when discussing technical topics.
