At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and provide strategic insights to enhance business performance.
- Company: Dynamic engineering and manufacturing organisation in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £75k, career growth, and mentorship from experienced leaders.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and team development.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial reporting and compliance.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
An organisation within the engineering and manufacturing sector is exploring the potential appointment of a Finance Controller to strengthen its UK finance function. This role is expected to play a key part in shaping financial performance, enhancing controls, and supporting strategic decision-making as the business continues to develop.
Working closely with the Finance Director, this position would suit either an established Finance Controller seeking a broader and more impactful remit, or a high-performing Finance Manager ready to step into a more comprehensive, career-enhancing role. The successful individual would likely take ownership of core financial operations while contributing insight, challenge, and commercial perspective across the wider business.
ANTICIPATED RESPONSIBILITIES- Financial Leadership & Commercial Insight
- Provide ongoing financial insight and guidance to senior leadership and departmental heads
- Support decision-making through analysis of financial performance, trends, and variances
- Challenge and influence budget holders on performance and cost control
- Identify opportunities for efficiency, margin improvement, and cost optimisation
- Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
- Contribute to the preparation of annual budgets and longer-term financial planning
- Support the development of rolling forecasts and scenario planning
- Assist with financial evaluation of contracts, tenders, and commercial initiatives
- Help shape mid-term financial strategy
- Financial Reporting & Operations
- Oversee production of monthly management accounts and KPI reporting
- Review and support preparation of statutory financial statements
- Maintain ownership of month-end and year-end processes
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting to internal and external stakeholders
- Develop and enhance reporting dashboards
- Governance, Controls & Compliance
- Strengthen and maintain financial controls, policies, and procedures
- Oversee balance sheet integrity, reconciliations, and fixed asset accounting
- Provide oversight of CAPEX processes and approvals
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal standards
- Monitor areas such as stock, provisions, and expenses
- Audit & External Reporting
- Support and potentially lead the annual audit process
- Liaise with auditors, tax advisers, and external stakeholders
- Assist in preparation of tax packs, statutory accounts, and R&D submissions
- Ensure audit readiness and robust supporting documentation
- Working Capital & Cash Management
- Help manage cash flow, including rolling forecasts
- Oversee debtor and creditor processes and relationships
- Support supplier payment cycles and customer invoicing
- Contribute to VAT return preparation and submission
- Participate in payment authorisation processes
- Team & Business Support
- Work collaboratively across departments to support operational goals
- Contribute to development of finance processes and systems
- Support, mentor, or help develop junior team members where required
- Participate in continuous improvement and systems enhancement projects
The organisation is likely to consider candidates with the following profile:
- Professionally qualified accountant (ACA or equivalent)
- Demonstrable experience within a Financial Controller or senior finance role
- Strong grounding in financial reporting, controls, and compliance
- Experience working within dynamic, operational environments
- Commercially aware with the ability to influence non-finance stakeholders
- Strong systems capability (ERP experience advantageous)
- Analytical, proactive, and solution-oriented approach
- Effective communication and leadership capability
This role presents a potential opportunity to gain broad exposure across financial operations in a growing and evolving organisation, with direct support from an experienced Finance Director. It is expected to offer the successful candidate the chance to influence financial strategy, develop leadership capability, and build a well-rounded platform for future progression.
Finance Controller - Banking in Edinburgh employer: Hays
Join a forward-thinking organisation in the engineering and manufacturing sector as a Finance Controller in Edinburgh, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping financial performance and enhancing operational controls. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, this company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement, providing you with the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making while developing your leadership skills. Enjoy competitive remuneration and the chance to work closely with senior leadership in a dynamic environment that values your insights and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Controller - Banking in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in banking. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial performance. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their business and can contribute to their financial strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Finance Controller. Highlight your skills in financial reporting and compliance, and don’t forget to mention your knack for influencing non-finance stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
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 with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Controller - Banking in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Finance Controller role. Highlight your financial reporting, compliance, and leadership capabilities to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience in dynamic environments!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've used your analytical skills to influence decision-making or improve financial performance. We love seeing candidates who can challenge the status quo!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence decision-making in previous roles. This shows you can provide the ongoing financial insight that the organisation is looking for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves working closely with senior leadership, so it's crucial to highlight your experience in leading teams and influencing stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've mentored junior team members or contributed to cross-departmental projects to illustrate your collaborative approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about budgeting, forecasting, and financial strategy. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to challenge budget holders or identify cost optimisation opportunities. This will help you demonstrate your analytical and proactive mindset.
✨Understand Compliance and Controls
Familiarise yourself with financial regulations and internal controls relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past positions and how you would strengthen financial controls in this new role. This will show your commitment to governance and integrity.
