Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Mackle Petfoods

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead finance operations and drive improvements in a growing pet food manufacturer.
  • Company: Mackle Petfoods, a family-run business with over 50 years of expertise.
  • Benefits: Collaborative leadership team, career growth, and a commitment to innovation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy in a fast-growing organisation.
  • Qualifications: CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified with experience in budget preparation and team management.
  • Other info: Join a company that values people, quality, and sustainability.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.

Mackle Petfoods is a family‑run pet food manufacturer with over 50 years of expertise, producing high‑quality dog and cat food from our state‑of‑the‑art facilities in County Armagh. Our well‑known brands — including Naturo, Brandy, Cat Club, and Jessie — are crafted using natural, locally sourced ingredients and trusted by pet owners across the UK, Ireland, and over 14 international markets. We are committed to innovation, sustainability, and maintaining the highest food safety standards, reflected in our BRCGS Grade AA accreditation.

As we continue to expand, we’re recruiting a Financial Controller to lead our finance function and drive continuous improvement across the organisation. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this is a senior leadership position with responsibility for financial governance, compliance, reporting, and operational financial support across the business.

You will play a key role in:

  • Leading and developing a team of 4 direct reports
  • Owning the annual budget process and monthly Group management accounts
  • Developing the 5‑Year Business Plan and financial modelling
  • Strengthening internal controls and ensuring full tax & technical compliance
  • Managing annual audit, insurance renewals, tender submissions, and R&D tax claims
  • Driving improvements to our ERP finance modules
  • Providing financial insight to senior management and non‑finance teams
  • Leading cashflow forecasting and finance‑related projects
  • Supporting our company‑wide commitment to lean process improvement

Essential Qualifications

  • CIMA / ACCA / ACA qualified

Essential Experience

  • Budget preparation
  • Month‑end accounts
  • Cashflow management & forecasting
  • Product costing
  • Project management
  • Sales & Purchase Ledger oversight
  • Team management & development

Desirable

  • Experience within manufacturing
  • VAT knowledge
  • Audit experience
  • Prior Financial/Management Accountant roles
  • Strong Excel and ERP experience (Business Central desirable)

Why Join Us?

  • Be part of a long‑established, growing NI success story
  • Work within a collaborative senior leadership team
  • Influence strategy, systems, and company‑wide financial performance
  • Join a business that invests in people, quality and innovation

If you’re an ambitious finance leader seeking a high‑impact role in a fast‑growing organisation, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for further details email mpf.recruitment@macklepetfoods.com

Financial Controller employer: Mackle Petfoods

Mackle Petfoods is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture where innovation and quality are at the forefront. With over 50 years of expertise in the pet food industry, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside the opportunity to influence strategic financial decisions within a well-respected family-run business. Located in County Armagh, this role as Financial Controller not only provides a chance to lead a dedicated team but also to contribute to a company committed to sustainability and excellence.
Mackle Petfoods

Contact Detail:

Mackle Petfoods Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Financial Controller

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might have insights into Mackle Petfoods. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s values and recent developments. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their mission of quality and sustainability – it’ll make you stand out!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your financial knowledge and be ready to discuss how you can drive improvements in their finance function. We want to see your expertise in action, so think of examples from your past roles that highlight your skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show us that you’re enthusiastic about the role. Plus, it’s just good manners!

We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller

Financial Governance
Compliance
Financial Reporting
Operational Financial Support
Team Leadership
Budget Preparation
Financial Modelling
Internal Controls
Tax Compliance
Audit Management
Cashflow Management
Project Management
Sales Ledger Oversight
Purchase Ledger Oversight
Excel Proficiency

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Financial Controller role. Highlight your qualifications like CIMA, ACCA, or ACA, and showcase your experience in budget preparation and cashflow management.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Mackle Petfoods. Mention your passion for finance and how you can contribute to their commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your team management and development experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led projects or improved processes in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mackle Petfoods

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, cash flow, and forecasting in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also drive financial performance.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

You'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to highlight your experience in team management and development. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, improved processes, or mentored colleagues. This will help the interviewers see you as a strong leader who can inspire and guide others.

✨Understand the Business

Mackle Petfoods is all about quality and sustainability. Familiarise yourself with their brands and values. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can align with their commitment to innovation and food safety. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the company and its mission.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions around financial governance, compliance, and ERP systems. Brush up on your knowledge of tax compliance and internal controls, as well as any specific software they use, like Business Central. Being well-prepared for these topics will demonstrate your technical expertise and readiness for the role.

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