At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance, manage cash flow, and improve operational efficiency.
- Company: Dynamic distribution business 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.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance management and process improvement.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Financial Controller in Burton upon Trent employer: JAG Talent
Join a dynamic and growing distribution business that prioritises employee development and offers a clear pathway to senior leadership roles. As a Financial Controller, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values innovation and efficiency, alongside competitive perks such as a discretionary bonus, private healthcare, and a generous holiday allowance. This role not only allows you to make a significant impact on the company's financial performance but also positions you for rapid career advancement within a forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Burton upon Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Financial Controller role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your cash flow management and process improvement skills. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven efficiencies in previous roles. This will show potential employers that you’re not just talk – you can deliver results!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company culture and values before your interview. Understanding their approach to financial performance and operational efficiency will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We’re all about helping ambitious finance professionals like you find the right fit, so make sure you take advantage of our resources and support during your job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Burton upon Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Controller. Highlight your experience with cash flow management and process improvements, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in similar environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role and how your ambitions align with our vision. Be sure to mention your desire to progress towards a Finance Director position – we love seeing that drive!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, demonstrate your understanding of financial performance and how it impacts business growth. We want to see how you've influenced decision-making at a senior level and improved working capital in your previous roles.
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 from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at JAG Talent
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cash flow management and working capital optimisation. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've improved cash generation in previous roles. This shows you're not just familiar with the numbers, but you can also drive performance.
✨Showcase Process Improvement Experience
The role emphasises continuous process improvement, so come prepared with specific examples of how you've streamlined finance or operational processes in the past. Highlight any automation projects you've led and the impact they had on efficiency and accuracy. This will illustrate your proactive approach to driving change.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the distribution industry and understand the challenges it faces, especially around inventory management and cash flow. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these issues will show that you're commercially minded and ready to contribute to strategic decision-making from day one.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this position involves leading and developing a finance team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've mentored team members or influenced senior stakeholders. This will help convey your ambition to progress into a Finance Director role and your capability to lead effectively.
