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- Tasks: Lead the finance function, manage costs, and support strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join a dynamic SME FMCG business in Blackwood at an exciting growth stage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape financial strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial operations and contribute to business success.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with experience in manufacturing and strong Excel skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Head4Talent is working exclusively for a SME FMCG business based in Blackwood. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Financial Controller to join the business at an exciting stage in their journey.
Role Overview
The successful candidate will take full ownership of the finance function, working closely with the Managing Director and operational teams to control costs, improve margins, and support day-to-day decision-making. The role combines operational finance, reporting, and transactional oversight, and is suited to someone comfortable being both strategic and in the detail.
Key Responsibilities
- Day-to-Day Finance & Control
- Own the full finance function, including purchase ledger, sales ledger, payroll oversight, and bank reconciliations.
- Mentor and set KPIs for the financial team.
- Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, including detailed P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow.
- Maintain the general ledger and ensure timely posting and reconciliation of all transactions.
- Manage VAT returns, payroll journals, and statutory submissions.
- Manufacturing Finance & Cost Control
- Build, maintain, and actively manage product costings (ingredients, packaging, labour, overheads).
- Monitor yields, waste, and labour efficiency, working directly with production managers to address variances.
- Track and analyse manufacturing variances and explain performance in clear, practical terms.
- Support pricing decisions and margin analysis for customers, contracts, and new products.
- Stock, Cash Flow & Working Capital
- Take ownership of stock valuation, stock counts, and reconciliation between physical stock and the system.
- Monitor slow-moving and obsolete stock and ensure appropriate provisions.
- Produce short and medium-term cash flow forecasts.
- Actively manage working capital, including supplier payments and credit control.
- Operational & Commercial Support
- Work closely with production, procurement, and sales teams to improve financial awareness and discipline.
- Provide weekly and monthly financial insights to the MD to support operational decisions.
- Support new product development by assessing costings, margins, and financial viability.
- Assist with customer and supplier negotiations where financial input is required.
- Compliance, Controls & Year-End
- Maintain strong but practical financial controls appropriate for an SME environment.
- Prepare year-end accounts and act as the main contact for external accountants and auditors.
- Ensure compliance with VAT, corporation tax, and other statutory requirements.
- Support bank reporting and lender requirements as needed.
- Systems & Process Improvement
- Take ownership of finance systems and spreadsheets (ERP / accounting software / stock systems).
- ERP implementation: Work with the operational team to assist in the implementation of new MRP software, ensuring accurate adoption of the software into the accounting environment.
- Improve reporting, processes, and controls as the business grows.
- Introduce simple, effective financial processes without adding unnecessary complexity.
Skills & Experience
- Qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.
- Strong experience in a manufacturing environment (food manufacturing highly desirable).
- Hands-on experience producing management accounts and managing day-to-day finance.
- Solid understanding of stock, costings, and manufacturing variances.
- Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with imperfect systems.
- Experience improving or implementing finance systems and processes.
- Capacity to report to outside shareholders.
Financial Controller in Blackwood employer: Head 4 Talent
Contact Detail:
Head 4 Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Blackwood
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial practices. Understand their products and how they manage costs. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of a Financial Controller. Highlight your hands-on experience with management accounts and cost control, and don’t forget to mention your advanced Excel skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Blackwood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in managing finance functions, especially in a manufacturing environment. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to control costs and improve margins, as well as your hands-on approach to finance.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your duties; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve improved financial processes or contributed to cost savings in previous roles. We love seeing tangible results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Head 4 Talent
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial management. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the SME FMCG sector, such as P&L statements, cash flow forecasts, and stock valuations. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive decision-making in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and attention to detail. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed both aspects in past positions. Think about times when your strategic insights led to improved margins or cost control, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
You'll be working closely with various teams, so it's crucial to show that you can collaborate effectively. Prepare to discuss how you've partnered with production, procurement, and sales teams in the past. Highlight any initiatives where your financial insights helped improve operational efficiency or financial awareness.
✨Be Ready for Systems Talk
With a focus on finance systems and process improvement, be prepared to discuss your experience with ERP and accounting software. Share specific examples of how you've implemented or improved financial systems in previous roles, and how that has positively impacted the business.
