Financial Controller (future Finance Director)

b Overview /b p As Financial Controller, you will lead the finance function in a growth-focused, export-driven SME and play a pivotal role alongside the MD. You’ll combine strong financial stewardship with commercial insight to influence strategy, profitability, and investment decisions. You’ll work cross-functionally with manufacturing, operations, sales and engineering to improve visibility and performance. This is a high-visibility, hands-on role with potential to progress into the Finance Director position. /p b Pay / Benefits /b ul li Competitive salary /li li Hybrid working with flexibility /li li Private medical insurance /li li Enhanced holiday entitlement with length of service /li li Group life insurance /li li Group income protection,3.5% employer pension contribution,Free parking on-site /li /ul b Responsibilities /b ul li Lead day-to-day finance operations and maintain robust controls /li li Prepare monthly management accounts, board reports and KPI dashboards /li li Manage budgeting, forecasting and cash flow planning /li li Oversee balance sheet reconciliations and year-end processes /li li Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, banks and advisers /li li Manage VAT, payroll, pensions, insurance and statutory compliance /li li Provide financial insight to support strategic decision-making and pricing/m profitability analysis /li li Partner with department heads to enhance financial awareness and accountability /li li Oversee inventory valuation, stock controls and working capital management /li li Support manufacturing costing and operational performance analysis /li li Drive system improvements and enhanced management information /li li Support multi-currency international finance and banking relationships /li /ul b Key requirements /b ul li Commercially minded senior finance professional /li li Experience in leading a finance function within an SME /li li Ability to partner with operational and commercial teams /li li Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and financial reporting /li li Exposure to inventory valuation, costing and profitability analysis /li li Experience with international/export finance and multi-currency transactions /li li Stakeholder liaison with external accountants, auditors and advisers /li li Strong internal controls and regulatory/compliance awareness /li /ul ul li Commercial acumen /li li Cross-functional collaboration /li li Analytical mindset /li li Financial reporting and management accounting /li li Budgeting and forecasting /li li Cash flow management /li /ul