At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance for two growing businesses, enhancing controls and reporting.
- Company: Join a high-growth, private equity-backed construction group in Wigan.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to ÂŁ70,000 and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with potential for career advancement and influence.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative phase, making a real impact on financial operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance roles, strong leadership skills, and a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 ÂŁ per year.
A high-growth, private equity-backed group within the UK construction/infrastructure supply chain is hiring a Financial Controller to take ownership of finance across two recently acquired operating businesses in the North West. This is a hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up role where you’ll steady the ship short-term (controls, reconciliations, month-end, cash) and help lead the journey toward stronger reporting, improved systems and a more scalable finance model.
You’ll be the on-site finance lead and the key link between local operational teams and the wider Group finance function—bringing structure, pace and clarity in an environment that’s entrepreneurial, fast-moving and evolving. Over time, as a new ERP is embedded and shared services capability matures, the role will naturally shift toward value-add partnering, supporting operational leaders with sharper MI, better decision-making and improved commercial outcomes.
The Role
- Own the end-to-end finance agenda for two operational entities (c.£20–25m combined turnover) in a lean environment.
- Join during a genuine transformation phase: strengthening controls, improving reporting, embedding systems and governance.
- Perfect for a high-calibre Management Accountant stepping up or an experienced Financial Controller who enjoys change, autonomy and building “proper finance” in a business that needs it.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Control, Month-End & Reporting: Produce monthly management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, reconciliations, variance analysis). Strengthen financial controls and improve the quality, consistency and timeliness of MI. Own budgeting, forecasting and KPI development, moving reporting from “basic” to decision-useful.
- Cash, Working Capital & Compliance: Drive cashflow forecasting, working capital discipline and cash collection, working alongside central support functions. Oversee statutory and tax compliance requirements (including VAT and CIS) with appropriate external/central support.
- Operational / Contract Accounting: Support project and contract-based activity, including WIP and job profitability where projects span multiple months. Translate numbers into practical insight for non-financial stakeholders, helping operational leaders improve margins and performance.
- Systems & Integration: Play a key role in embedding a new ERP (NetSuite) locally, working with central system expertise rather than being left to “sink or swim”. Improve processes and standardisation in readiness for a future shared services model.
- People & Stakeholder Management: Support small on-site transactional resource (currently limited and mixed capability) and shape “what good looks like” going forward. Build strong working relationships across local leadership and Group finance—this role succeeds through influence, credibility and delivery.
About You
- Proven experience as an Area Manager (or equivalent multi-site role).
- Background in retail or hospitality (customer-led, fast-paced environments essential).
- Strong people leader with a track record of developing managers and teams.
- Commercially astute with the ability to balance people, standards and results.
- Confident working autonomously in a field-based role.
- Comfortable operating in a compliance-led environment.
- Approachable, credible and able to build rapport quickly at all levels.
- Full UK driving licence.
What’s on Offer
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
- Strong management accounts and financial control capability, ideally in an operational, project-based or contracting environment.
- Comfortable in a manual / imperfect environment—someone who will improve it, not complain about it.
- Confident partnering with operational leaders who may be less finance-led—you can simplify, challenge and move things forward.
- Systems mindset (NetSuite knowledge helpful but not essential)—you’re able to work with a central systems lead and drive adoption on-site.
- A proactive, energetic style: not a “processor”—you bring pace, pragmatism and strength of character.
This Financial Controller role is handled by McCarthy Recruitment, an award-winning multi-sector recruitment consultancy. We are committed to unlocking your full potential and finding your perfect role.
Start your journey today. Apply now or find us online: McCarthy Recruitment.
Financial Controller in Wigan employer: McCarthy Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
McCarthy Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those in construction or infrastructure. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Brush up on financial controls, cashflow forecasting, and ERP systems like NetSuite. Show them you’re not just a numbers person but a strategic partner ready to drive change.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of roles that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by recruiters who are eager to find the right fit for their teams.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in financial control, month-end reporting, and any relevant systems you've worked with. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or led teams in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your People Skills: This role involves building strong relationships across teams, so don’t forget to highlight your people skills. Mention any experience you have in leading teams or working collaboratively with non-financial stakeholders. We value those connections!
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 updates. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at McCarthy Recruitment 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 improved reporting and controls in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of your experience with month-end processes and cash flow management.
✨Showcase Your Systems Savvy
This role involves embedding a new ERP system, so it's crucial to highlight any experience you have with financial systems, especially NetSuite if applicable. Talk about how you've successfully implemented or improved systems in the past and how you can bring that expertise to the table.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
You'll be the link between local teams and the wider finance function, so emphasise your ability to build strong relationships. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced non-financial stakeholders in the past and how you can translate complex financial data into actionable insights for them.
✨Embrace Change and Autonomy
This position is all about transformation and taking ownership. Be ready to share examples of how you've thrived in fast-paced, changing environments. Highlight your proactive approach and how you’ve successfully navigated challenges while driving improvements in financial processes.