At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and improve cash flow management in a dynamic distribution business.
- Company: A successful and growing distribution company with a focus on leadership development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with significant exposure to strategic decision-making.
- Why this job: Fast-track your career to Finance Director while making a real impact on business growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance management and process improvement.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire
Salary: £70-80,000 + Benefits
Benefits: Discretionary Bonus, Private Healthcare, Pension Scheme, Holiday Allowance
The Opportunity
Our client is a successful and growing distribution business seeking an ambitious, commercially focused Financial Controller to join its senior leadership team. Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, this role will be instrumental in driving financial performance across the business. The successful candidate will take ownership of the finance function with a particular focus on cash flow management, working capital optimisation, operational efficiency and continuous process improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for a high-calibre finance professional looking to progress towards a Finance Director position within a growing organisation. The business is committed to developing future leadership talent and offers a genuine succession pathway for the right individual.
The Role
The Financial Controller will be responsible for ensuring that the business maximises cash generation, improves financial controls and develops efficient, scalable processes to support future growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Cash Flow & Working Capital (Primary Focus)
- Take full ownership of cash flow forecasting, reporting and management.
- Drive improvements in working capital performance across debtors, creditors and inventory.
- Partner with operational and commercial teams to improve stock management, inventory turns and cash conversion.
- Implement robust cash forecasting models and reporting frameworks.
- Identify opportunities to release cash and improve liquidity across the business.
- Develop a culture of cash awareness and accountability throughout the organisation.
- Provide regular analysis and recommendations to the Commercial Director and senior leadership team.
- Process Improvement & Business Efficiency
- Review and improve finance and operational processes across the distribution network.
- Drive automation and system enhancements to reduce manual intervention and improve reporting accuracy.
- Improve controls around stock, purchasing, logistics and inventory management.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, scalability and profitability.
- Support ERP and business systems development projects where required.
- Establish meaningful KPIs and performance reporting to support operational decision-making.
- Financial Management & Commercial Support
- Produce accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
- Provide commercial analysis to support pricing, margin improvement and strategic decision-making.
- Support the Commercial Director with business planning and growth initiatives.
- Manage the annual audit process and external stakeholder relationships.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory, tax and regulatory requirements.
- Lead, develop and mentor the finance team.
Candidate Profile
- Essential
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller, Head of Finance or Senior Finance Manager.
- Strong experience managing cash flow and working capital within a distribution, wholesale, logistics or stock-intensive environment.
- Demonstrable track record of delivering process improvements and operational efficiencies.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence decision-making at senior level.
- Experience managing and developing finance teams.
- Hands-on, proactive and results-oriented approach.
- Desirable
- Experience within a fast-paced distribution, wholesale or supply chain business.
- Knowledge of inventory management, stock control and warehouse operations.
- ERP implementation or finance systems improvement experience.
- Ambition to progress into a future Finance Director role.
What's on Offer?
- Salary £70-80k depending on experience.
- Discretionary annual bonus.
- Private healthcare.
- Company pension scheme.
- Generous holiday entitlement.
- Significant exposure to strategic decision-making and business leadership.
- A structured and realistic pathway to Finance Director.
- The opportunity to make a measurable impact on cash generation, operational performance and business growth.
Why Apply?
This is not a traditional reporting-focused Financial Controller role. The business is seeking a commercially minded leader who can drive cash performance, improve working capital, streamline processes and support profitable growth. For an ambitious finance professional looking to fast-track their career towards Finance Director, this represents a genuine opportunity to make a significant impact and progress into a senior leadership position.
Finance Controller - Banking employer: JAG Talent Limited
Join a dynamic and ambitious distribution business in Burton upon Trent, where your role as Financial Controller will not only drive financial performance but also pave the way for your progression to Finance Director. With a strong commitment to employee development, a culture of continuous improvement, and a comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare and a discretionary bonus, this company offers an exceptional environment for growth and meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Controller - Banking
✨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 JAG Talent Limited. 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 Finance Controller - Banking
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 JAG Talent Limited.
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 JAG Talent Limited'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 JAG Talent Limited
✨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 JAG Talent Limited.
✨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 JAG Talent Limited 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 JAG Talent Limited 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.
