At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and provide strategic insights to enhance business performance.
- Company: Dynamic engineering and manufacturing organisation with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and mentorship from experienced leaders.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and development.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance leadership roles.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 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
PROFILE - WHAT MAY BE REQUIRED
- 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
OPPORTUNITY
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.
Locations
Banking / Finance Administrator in Midlothian, Scotland employer: Hays
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Banking / Finance Administrator in Midlothian, Scotland
✨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 Hays. 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 Banking / Finance Administrator in Midlothian, Scotland
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 Hays.
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 Hays'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 Hays
✨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 Hays.
✨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 Hays 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 Hays 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.
