At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control for a £55m turnover business, driving performance and profitability.
- Company: Join a high-growth, private equity-backed infrastructure and construction services group.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, direct exposure to leadership, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and career development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in strategic decision-making and contribute to significant growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial control and business partnering skills.
The predicted salary is between 65250 - 79750 £ per year.
A high-growth, private equity-backed infrastructure and construction services group is seeking an experienced Senior Financial Controller to take ownership of finance for a £55 million turnover operational business specialising in haulage, plant hire and associated support services. This is a highly visible leadership role within one of the group's largest trading entities, offering the opportunity to partner directly with the operational leadership team while acting as the key link into the wider Group Finance function. The business is at an important stage in its evolution, with continued investment in systems, controls and reporting, creating an opportunity for a commercially minded finance professional to make a significant impact.
The successful candidate will combine robust financial control with strong commercial acumen, helping operational leaders understand performance, improve profitability and drive better decision-making across a complex, fast-paced operation.
The Role
Reporting to the Group Finance Director and working closely with the local Managing Director and senior operational team, you will take full responsibility for the finance function of a £55m turnover business unit, ensuring robust financial management while supporting the continued growth and development of the wider organisation. This role goes beyond traditional financial reporting. You will act as a true business partner to operational leaders, providing insight into margin performance, fleet utilisation, plant profitability, working capital and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all aspects of financial control for a £55m turnover haulage and plant operation
- Produce accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, cashflow reporting and detailed performance commentary
- Ensure strong governance, controls and compliance across all finance activities
- Drive continuous improvements in financial reporting, accuracy and management information
- Manage year-end processes and support external audit requirements
Commercial Finance & Business Partnering
- Partner closely with the Managing Director and operational leadership team to drive business performance
- Deliver meaningful financial analysis and insight to improve profitability and operational decision-making
- Monitor and challenge costs across fleet, plant, labour and overhead expenditure
- Support commercial decision-making through scenario modelling, investment appraisals and business cases
- Develop meaningful KPIs that provide operational leaders with greater visibility of performance drivers
Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Management
- Lead annual budgeting and rolling forecasting processes
- Drive weekly cashflow reporting and working capital management
- Improve visibility of operational performance, margins and profitability
- Support initiatives to strengthen cash collection and optimise working capital
Systems, Processes & Transformation
- Support the ongoing development of finance processes, systems and controls
- Play a key role in embedding Group reporting standards and systems, including NetSuite
- Identify opportunities to automate reporting and improve efficiency
- Help drive consistency and best practice across finance and operational processes
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Lead and develop local finance resource, creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
- Build strong working relationships across operational, commercial and finance teams
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders throughout the business
- Influence change through credibility, collaboration and clear communication
About You
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
- Proven experience in a Financial Controller, Senior Financial Controller or equivalent leadership role
- Strong financial control, management accounting and business partnering capability
- Experience within operational, logistics, plant hire, construction, infrastructure, manufacturing or service-led environments would be advantageous
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial business
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to challenge and influence non-financial stakeholders
- Experienced in budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management and working capital improvement
- Strong systems capability, with ERP experience (NetSuite exposure beneficial but not essential)
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to join a growing, ambitious organisation where finance plays a central role in strategic and operational decision-making. You'll have genuine autonomy, direct exposure to senior leadership and the chance to make a measurable impact on the performance of a significant £55m business unit while contributing to the wider group's growth journey.
Financial Controller in Wigan employer: McCarthy Recruitment
Join a well-established and growing organisation as an HR Administrator, where you will be part of a supportive and inclusive work culture that values employee engagement and development. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact across the business while benefiting from opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with diverse teams. With a focus on best practices in HR and a commitment to compliance, you'll thrive in an environment that prioritises the wellbeing and success of its employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Wigan
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like McCarthy Recruitment. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to McCarthy Recruitment.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on McCarthy Recruitment's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at McCarthy Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with McCarthy Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at McCarthy Recruitment will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former McCarthy Recruitment employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
