At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and build a modern finance function from the ground up.
- Company: Dynamic industrial services business backed by private equity in Teesside.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, genuine progression, and hands-on experience in a transformative environment.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive problem-solvers who thrive in dynamic settings.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal moment and influence major growth and change.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience as a Financial Controller in SMEs.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 75000 € per year.
A Rare Opportunity at the Start of a Transformation
Every so often, a role comes along that isn’t just a "step up" - it’s a trajectory-changing career move. This is one of those roles. A growing industrial services business in Teesside has just secured private equity investment and appointed a new, commercially minded CFO with a clear vision: "We’re building a modern finance function from the ground up. The right person will shape what 'great' looks like here." - CFO
This is not "business as usual." This is building from scratch.
Why This Role Is a Big Deal (What’s In It for You)
- You get to build the finance function - not inherit one
- PE exposure that accelerates careers
- A CFO who develops people - not controls them
- Commercial exposure if you want it
- A business on the cusp of major growth
This is day one of a transformation. Few roles offer this level of visibility and influence.
The Role: Financial Controller
This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role where you will:
- Own and strengthen financial controls
- Build management reporting from scratch
- Lead and modernise month‑end
- Play a key role in a new ERP implementation (Intact)
- Support PE reporting and board packs
- Partner with operations to drive insight
This role suits someone who thrives in environments that are changing - not someone who wants everything already figured out.
About You
You’ll thrive here if you are:
- A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
- Experienced as a Financial Controller or similar level
- Used to hands‑on roles in SMEs, industrial, or operational businesses
- Comfortable rebuilding processes, not just following them
- Someone who can bring structure, logic, and clarity to messy environments
Behavioural Must‑Haves
- Curious
- Proactive
- Problem‑solver
- Improvement‑focused
- Commercially minded
Not the Right Fit If…
- You want a clean, corporate, neatly structured environment
- You prefer to wait for instructions
- You don’t enjoy change, pace, and ambiguity
Location & Working Model
The role is based in Teesside. Initial phase: Fully on-site (to build relationships, understand the business, and establish foundations). Once established: The CFO is pragmatic – flexibility based on performance and trust.
Interested? Let’s Talk Confidentially
This search is being managed exclusively on a fully confidential basis.
Financial Controller - Succession plan to Finance Director employer: Iff Talent
Join a dynamic and transformative industrial services business in Teesside, where you will have the unique opportunity to build a modern finance function from the ground up. With a supportive CFO who prioritises employee development and a culture that encourages initiative and curiosity, you will experience rapid career progression in a private equity-backed environment. This role not only offers competitive salary and genuine growth opportunities but also places you at the forefront of a major organisational transformation, making it an exciting time to be part of this journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller - Succession plan to Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who have experience in private equity-backed environments. Attend local finance events or webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s vision and how you can contribute to building their finance function. Be ready to discuss your ideas on modernising processes and improving financial controls.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your curiosity and problem-solving skills during interviews. Ask insightful questions about their current processes and suggest potential improvements. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who are ready to shape the future of finance with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller - Succession plan to Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Building:In your application, let us know how excited you are about the opportunity to build a finance function from scratch. Share any past experiences where you've shaped processes or made improvements, as this will resonate with what we're looking for.
Be Curious and Proactive:We love candidates who ask 'why?' and challenge the status quo. In your written application, highlight instances where you've taken initiative or sought out improvements in your previous roles. This will show us you're the right fit for our dynamic environment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the role. Mention your qualifications and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Financial Controller position, especially in a PE-backed context.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Iff Talent
✨Understand the Transformation
Get a solid grasp of the company's current state and the transformation they are undergoing. Research their recent private equity investment and think about how you can contribute to building the finance function from scratch. Be ready to discuss your vision for what 'great' looks like in this context.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully rebuilt processes or implemented new systems. Highlight your experience in SMEs or operational businesses, as this will resonate with the CFO's desire for someone who thrives in changing environments.
✨Demonstrate Curiosity and Initiative
The CFO is looking for someone who asks 'why?' and challenges the status quo. Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the company's goals and how you can help achieve them. This shows that you're not just looking for a task list but are genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Be Ready for Commercial Discussions
Since the role offers commercial exposure, brush up on financial modelling and strategic planning concepts. Think about how you can partner with operations to drive insights and be prepared to discuss any relevant experiences you have in pricing decisions or M&A support.
