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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, manage P&L, and drive performance at our Leeds site.
- Company: Join a dynamic, internationally active SME with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career growth, autonomy, and making a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the business as part of the senior leadership team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in FP&A and strong IT skills.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and strategic projects.
Job Description
Senior Company Accountant (Plant Controller) – Leeds
An established, internationally active SME is seeking a dynamic Senior Company Accountant (Plant Controller) to lead finance operations at its Leeds site. This is a site-based role (5 days/week), ideal for a highly ambitious, hands-on finance professional who thrives on being close to operations, enjoys autonomy, and is eager to shape the future of the business as part of the senior leadership team.
Reporting functionally to the Group Financial Controller, you'll be the finance lead for the Leeds site, working in close partnership with the Managing Director and cross-functional teams to drive performance, strategy, and operational excellence.
This is a career-defining opportunity for a qualified accountant with broad experience in operational finance, governance, and strategic support.Key Responsibilities
- Own the full site P&L and balance sheet, delivering accurate month-end close and insightful variance analysis.
- Present monthly management accounts to senior leadership.
- Oversee daily finance operations: cash accounting, GL postings, AP, credit card management, and reconciliations.
- Manage end-to-end payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Maintain inventory accuracy and financial controls, partnering with the Warehouse Manager.
- Lead the annual budgeting cycle and deliver commercial analysis on sales and cost drivers.
- Analyse and report on margin performance, supporting sales optimisation.
- Coordinate external audits and ensure full compliance.
- Execute statutory filings: VAT, Intrastat, payroll, pensions.
- Manage working capital, optimise collections and payments, and enhance liquidity.
- Champion site governance and internal controls alongside the MD.
- Ensure compliance with group policies and statutory requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement across finance processes.
- Contribute to strategic projects and business development initiatives.
About You
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Proven experience in FP&A, budgeting, and variance analysis.
- Strong IT skills, including Excel and ERP systems.
- Proactive, detail-oriented, and hands-on.
- Strong compliance and internal control mindset.
- Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience in manufacturing, engineering, wholesale, or supply chain sectors.
- Full UK working rights (no sponsorship).
Why Apply?
This is a broad, high-impact role within a fast-paced SME environment, offering the chance to make a tangible difference and grow with the business. If you're ready to take ownership and lead with influence, we'd love to hear from you.What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Karly Clark for more information. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
Senior Company Accountant Plant Controller employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Company Accountant Plant Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Company Accountant role. Highlight your operational finance experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive performance and strategy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led finance operations in the past and how you can contribute to our team at the Leeds site.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a finance lead, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. In your application, demonstrate your strong communication skills by clearly articulating your experiences and how you've engaged with senior leadership in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily keep track of your application status.
