At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance function, support growth, and drive strategic decisions in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established British brand in the fusegear market, part of Lucy Group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and key leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational and strategic decisions in a growing business.
- Qualifications: ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with experience in manufacturing finance.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team focused on continuous improvement and global operations.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 the UK and India, LFL’s global clientele is spread across several countries including (not limited to) the 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
Currently, the finance team size (excluding Finance Controller) is 2 in the UK and 2 in India.
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 with 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.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Essential
- 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.
Financial Controller in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Lucy Electric
Contact Detail:
Lucy Electric Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in manufacturing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and industry trends. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of Financial Controller at Lawson Fuses, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Lawson Fuses.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in financial leadership, manufacturing finance, and any relevant qualifications like ACA/ACCA/CIMA. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for Lawson Fuses. Share specific examples of your past achievements in finance and how they relate to the key accountabilities mentioned in the job description. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Financial Controller, you'll be leading a team and partnering with senior management. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and how you've successfully mentored others in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive results!
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Lawson Fuses!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lucy Electric
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to manufacturing, such as standard costing and inventory management. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive efficiency and profitability in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led finance teams or partnered with other departments to achieve business goals. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing team members, as well as any successful cross-functional projects you've been involved in.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with Lawson Fuses and its operations. Research their products, markets, and recent developments. Being able to speak knowledgeably about the company will show your genuine interest and help you connect your skills to their specific needs.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of compliance in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with UK GAAP/IFRS and tax regulations. Think of examples where you've managed audits or ensured compliance in previous positions, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.