At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance in a transformative environment.
- Company: Join Marshall Land Systems, a dynamic company in the defence sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 27-30 days holiday, private medical insurance, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for career progression to Finance Director.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategies and influence key decisions in a PE-backed transformation.
- Qualifications: Senior finance leadership experience and strong technical accounting skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to step into a highly strategic finance leadership role within a business undergoing significant transformation. Following the transition from family ownership to private equity backing, the organisation is focused on driving growth, enhancing operational performance, and strengthening financial governance. This role sits at the heart of that journey, working as a key member of the Land leadership team to shape strategy, influence decision‑making, and deliver value creation.
Responsibilities
- Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Contribute to the development and delivery of divisional strategic and operational plans
- Act as a key member of the Land leadership team, influencing business direction and performance
- Support sales and investment decision‑making through financial, commercial, and tax planning
- Support multi‑year business planning processes
- Deliver robust budgeting and forecasting
- Provide insightful analysis to support performance improvement and value creation
- Financial Control & Governance
- Maintain full accountability for the financial control environment across the division
- Ensure robust, compliant, and efficient financial processes and controls
- Oversee balance sheet integrity, risk management, and audit processes
- Reporting & Analysis
- Lead the design and delivery of the financial reporting framework
- Provide high‑quality periodic and ad‑hoc reporting to internal leadership and parent
- Deliver meaningful insights to enhance operational and financial decision‑making
- Commercial & Operational Finance
- Support complex project‑based delivery, including cost control, margin management, and risk mitigation
- Oversee financial aspects of international operations, including foreign exchange and credit
- Provide financial oversight of supply chain activities and contract performance
- Transformation & Continuous Improvement
- Proactively lead and support business change and improvement initiatives
- Drive efficiencies across Financial Control within the Finance directorate and wider operational processes
- Support ERP and systems optimisation initiatives
- Leadership & Team Development
- Develop, lead and mentor a high‑performing Financial Control team
- Foster a culture of customer service, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Operate effectively within a matrix structure, influencing beyond direct reporting
Qualifications
- Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role (Financial Controller, Deputy FD, or equivalent)
- Proven experience within a private equity‑backed environment
- Background in defence, engineering, manufacturing, or complex project‑based industries (defence highly desirable)
- Experience operating in international businesses, including exposure to foreign currency and cross‑border operations
- Strong track record in financial control, reporting, and governance in complex environments
- Experience supporting strategic planning, investment decisions, and business growth initiatives
- Demonstrated success working within matrix organisations and influencing senior leaders
Technical Skills & Education
- Fully qualified accountant (FCA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Strong technical accounting expertise (UK GAAP / IFRS)
- Experience managing foreign exchange risk, credit risk, and financial instruments
- Understanding of international trade considerations (e.g. bonds, guarantees, overseas deployment models)
- Excel and financial modelling capability
- Experience with ERP systems and finance transformation initiatives
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into commercial insight
Additional Local Requirements
- Hybrid role, onsite around 70% of the week
- Successful candidates will need to be eligible to obtain SC (Security Clearance)
Benefits
- Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a PE‑backed transformation journey
- Clear progression pathway to Finance Director or Divisional FD roles
- Direct exposure to board‑level and investor interactions
- Involvement in strategic decision‑making and value creation initiatives
- Opportunity to shape and enhance financial control and reporting frameworks
- 27 days holiday, increasing with service up to 30 days (option to buy/sell)
- Pension contributions up to 9%
- Private medical insurance for you and your partner
- Company car allowance
- Extensive flexible benefit program including Cycle to Work
- Life assurance at 4x basic salary
- Enhanced parental leave and pay
- Paid volunteering leave
- Access to industry‑leading wellbeing resources and tools
Marshall Group is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Financial Controller in Cambridge employer: Marshall Land Systems Ltd
Marshall Land Systems is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead in a transformative finance role within a dynamic environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides clear pathways to senior leadership positions, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances, private medical insurance, and a commitment to wellbeing. The collaborative work culture fosters innovation and accountability, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in private equity or similar environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s recent changes and challenges. Understanding their transition from family ownership to private equity will help you tailor your responses and show how you can contribute to their strategic goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Highlighting your ability to foster collaboration and accountability will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Cambridge
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 strategic leadership experience and any relevant financial governance expertise to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about joining Marshall Land Systems and how your background in finance aligns with our transformation journey. Be genuine and let your personality show!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements in financial control and reporting, especially in private equity-backed environments. We want to see how you've influenced decision-making and driven value creation in your previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marshall Land Systems Ltd
✨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 used them to influence decision-making in previous roles. This shows you understand the strategic importance of finance in driving business growth.
✨Understand the Transformation
Marshall Land Systems is undergoing significant transformation. Familiarise yourself with their transition from family ownership to private equity backing. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this change and what strategies you would implement to enhance operational performance and financial governance.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Think of examples where you've developed and mentored teams, especially in a finance context. Highlight how you foster a culture of accountability and collaboration, as these are crucial for influencing the Land leadership team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex environments. Prepare examples of how you've managed financial control, risk, and compliance in previous roles. This will help you illustrate your ability to deliver robust budgeting and forecasting under pressure.
