Financial Controller in Newcastle upon Tyne

Lawson Fuses is seeking an experienced Financial Controller / Head of Finance to lead the finance function and support the business through continued growth and expansion. This is a leadership and hands-on role combining strong financial control with strategic leadership, supporting manufacturing, supply chain and commercial decision making across UK and Indian sites.

Incorporated in 1938, Lawson Fuses Limited (LFL) is an established British and global brand that operates in the fusegear market with a focus on design, development and manufacture of low voltage High Rupture Capacity (HRC) fuse-links and associated fuse holders. LFL’s products are ASTA certified and comply with IEC/BS/ENA standards and accepted throughout the world. With manufacturing facilities based in UK and India, LFL’s global clientele is spread across several countries including UK, Middle East, Africa, India, Malaysia, Australia, South Korea and Hong Kong. With ISO 17025 ASTA certified R&D lab and ASTA certified manufacturing plants, LFL is keen on safety, quality and speed of product delivery. From 2018, LFL is part of Lucy Group which is a diversified international group headquartered in Oxford, UK and operates in multiple sectors including Power Distribution, Smart Lighting, Fusegear and Real Estate. Lawson Fuses, under the banner of Lucy Group, is focusing on accelerated growth of its product line and subsequently the share of the market.

This role will report to the General Manager of the business and work closely with Lucy Group finance teams. This job will focus on the following job dimensions:

• Financial Leadership and Business Partnership
• Manufacturing Finance and Cost Control
• Control and Reporting
• Compliance, Audit and Governance
• Cash Flow & Working Capital
• Systems and Process Improvement
• Team Leadership

Key Accountabilities:

• Financial Leadership and Business Partnership: Act as a senior finance lead for the business, partnering closely with head of the business and the group CEO. Provide financial insight to support manufacturing efficiency, capacity planning, pricing and investment decisions. Support international growth, new product introduction and operational improvement initiatives.
• Manufacturing Finance and Cost Control: Own standard costing, product costing and margin analysis across manufacturing operations. Monitor and analyse manufacturing variances (labour, material, overhead, yield). Work closely with operations and supply chain teams to improve cost control, efficiency and profitability. Support make-or-buy decisions, Capex, appraisal and ROI analysis.
• Financial Control and Reporting: Full ownership of monthly management accounts, group consolidation and performance reporting. Lead budgeting, forecasting and medium-term planning for manufacturing and commercial activities. Ensure accurate inventory accounting, including WIP, finished goods, obsolescence and stock provisions. Prepare and support statutory accounts for UK and Overseas entities. Comply to group financial timetables and deadlines.
• Compliance, Audit and Governance: Ensure compliance with UK GAAP / IFRS, tax regulations (Corporation tax, VAT) and relevant overseas requirements. Manage external audit, tax advisors and banking relationships. Oversee payroll and statutory reporting (UK and International). Manage intercompany accounting, transfer pricing and cross-border transactions.
• Cash Flow & Working Capital: Manage cashflow, liquidity and treasury activities. Optimise working capital with particular focus on inventory, trade receivables and supplier terms. Manage foreign currency exposure relating to global sourcing and sales. Ensure timely group funding to ease working capital where required.
• Systems and Process Improvement: Own finance systems and reporting tools, ensuring they support manufacturing and multi-entity operations. Drive improvements in ERP, costing models and reporting accuracy. Develop scalable finance processes to support business growth.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor and develop the finance team. Build a high performing finance function aligned with manufacturing operations and commercial objectives.

Essential Qualifications, Experience & Skills:

• ACA/ ACCA/ CIMA qualified Chartered Accountant.
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller, Head of Finance, or similar senior role in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing accounting, standard costing and inventory management.
• Experience with multi-site and/or international manufacturing operations.
• Hands-on approach with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance teams.

Desirable:

• Experience with ERP systems (Microsoft Dynamics D365).
• Exposure to international tax, VAT and transfer pricing.
• Experience in continuous improvement or lean manufacturing environments.
• Involvement in Capex-heavy environments or factory expansions.

What’s on offer:

• Key leadership role in a growing manufacturing business.
• Opportunity to influence operational and strategic decisions.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements where feasible.

Behavioral competencies:

• Integrity and Professional Judgement.
• Commercial and Operational Mindset.
• Ownership and accountability.
• Attention to Detail.
• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving.
• Communication and Working Relationships.
• Adaptability and Resilience.
• Continuous improvement mindset.