At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and reporting for a dynamic manufacturing site.
- Company: Established UK manufacturing business with global reach and strong brand backing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, generous holidays, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth during a transformative phase.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a growing division in a hands-on, impactful role.
- Qualifications: Qualified or experienced finance professional with manufacturing background preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
This is a well-established UK manufacturing business with a long history of producing high-quality, technically engineered products for a global customer base. The company forms part of a large international group that operates several well-known consumer and industrial brands across Europe and the US. The business is entering a new phase of transformation and integration, under new ownership there’s a clear plan to modernise, streamline, and move towards full self‑sufficiency. The business has recently completed a significant restructure to drive efficiency and align with group standards, supported by the rollout of new systems and reporting processes. With a realistic and achievable budget set, the focus is firmly on strengthening local financial capability, improving management reporting, and driving the site towards profitable growth.
The Finance Manager job is a key hire to support the business through this next phase. It’s a 12‑month contract covering maternity leave, and you will be responsible for all aspects of site‑level financial management and reporting. The role covers the full spectrum of management accounting and financial control, producing accurate, timely month‑end accounts, managing audit preparation, supporting budget and forecast cycles, and ensuring the site delivers against its cost and margin targets. A major part of the role will be to rebuild visibility and discipline within the finance function and bring finance back to the centre of decision‑making. You’ll be working with seven budget holders across operations, helping them understand and manage their numbers, while building confidence in the accuracy and transparency of reporting. You’ll also manage cash flow forecasting and cost control supporting their long‑term strategic vision.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce accurate monthly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash flow forecasts
- Lead the month‑end process, including accruals, prepayments, payroll postings, and variance analysis
- Coordinate and review budgets and forecasts with site budget holders, challenging where appropriate
- Manage the annual audit process and liaise with the newly appointed auditors
- Review and maintain standard costing, transfer pricing, and margin performance for the site
- Support the SAP migration project, helping to streamline and automate reporting processes
- Partner with operations and the management team to drive efficiency and cost transparency
- Present financial results to senior stakeholders at Group level
Requirements
- Ideally qualified (but QBE and PQ considered) management accountant or SME finance manager / financial controller, ideally with strong manufacturing finance experience
- Hands‑on and confident producing full management accounts in a standalone or site environment
- Strong Excel skills; any experience with SAP or other ERP transitions advantageous
- Commercially minded, able to challenge and support non‑finance managers
- Adaptable and comfortable in a changing environment where processes are still developing
- Confident communicator who can bridge between a UK site and an international group structure
Salary: Ideally £50,000 – £55,000 but potentially negotiable beyond if necessary with the possibility of a contract completion bonus.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 – 16:30; Friday 8:00 – 13:30 (flexibility on start and finish times)
Holidays: 25 days + bank holidays (Christmas shutdown used in allowance)
Pension: 10% matched contribution
Location: On‑site only (WFH ad hoc if required)
This is a genuinely interesting opportunity to work within a UK manufacturing business backed by a global brand. You’ll have real ownership, visibility, and the chance to help shape the financial future of a site that’s at the heart of a rapidly growing division. It’s a hands‑on, high‑impact role for someone who enjoys rolling their sleeves up and building structure during a time of transformation.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance
Industries: Manufacturing and Accounting
Finance Manager / Financial Controller in Blackburn employer: Hawthorn One
As a Team Leader in Management Accounting at this well-established, privately owned international manufacturing organisation, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that values long-term relationships and individual contributions. With a focus on employee growth, the company offers a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and wellbeing initiatives, all while providing the stability and support of a larger group. This role not only allows for autonomy in your work but also positions you as a key player in a close-knit team dedicated to achieving high-quality results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager / Financial Controller in Blackburn
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Hawthorn One. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager / Financial Controller in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Hawthorn One.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Hawthorn One's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorn One
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Hawthorn One.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Hawthorn One will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Hawthorn One employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
