Financial Controller in England

I am delighted to be exclusively partnering with our client, a well-known, household-name FMCG business based in Cheshire, as they look to appoint a qualified, technically competent and commercially orientated Financial Controller. Reporting to a highly experienced and impressive Finance Director, this role offers genuine influence, visibility at board level, and the chance to make a tangible impact within an established brand that is evolving its operations and strategy.

The Financial Controller will lead and manage core accounting functions, including cashflow, management accounts, and central overheads, while overseeing the AP/AR teams, supporting financial planning and reporting, and driving efficiency and compliance across the business.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide accounting services for the whole company: owner of the cashbook (including authorisation and transmission of all payments) and cashflow forecasting; reviewing, authorising and posting journals for all payroll payments.
• Reporting: Overall monthly management account preparation and variance analysis.
• Central Overhead Costs: Responsible for all Central Overhead costs including preparing accruals and prepayments, posting journals, SAP recs, fixed asset register maintenance, preparation and monitoring of overhead budgets, advice to budget holders.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Working with the Finance Director to lead collaboration with the finance team and wider business to develop and manage the budgeting and forecasting that supports strategic decision-making.
• Team Management: Line management responsibility for the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable Team Leaders.
• Financing: Manage day to day relationships with the banks and overall ownership for managing the loans within the business.
• Supporting the Finance Director: In the delivery of projects for the business, deputising, leading the year-end statutory accounts preparation and audit process.
• External reporting: VAT return (monthly), information provision for Corporation Tax and Office of National Statistics.
• Prepare ad-hoc reports and analysis to help maximise the financial performance of the business and support profit improvement / recovery of adverse variances.
• Apply own experience to identify opportunities for improved efficiency or control. Ensure standard operating procedures relating to the role are regularly reviewed and updated for changes in business processes.
• Actively participate in any future ERP development or other business changes.

Requirements:

• Education: Qualified accountant with good technical knowledge complemented by strong commercial acumen (ACA, CA, CIMA accountancy qualification).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and good working knowledge and experience of SAP.
• Effective interpersonal relationship skills with the ability to communicate at all levels with both financial and non-financial management team members.
• Strong organisational skills, with an ability to work to tight deadlines and cope under pressure while maintaining attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Positive and flexible approach with effective problem solving.
• Experience of implementing change and supporting a business through a period of transformation.

The business is entering a period of transition and transformation, making this a pivotal role for an experienced finance professional who enjoys adding structure, driving performance, and partnering closely with senior leadership. You will play a key role in strengthening financial controls, improving reporting and insight, and supporting the business through its next phase of growth.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified senior finance professional, with previous experience of managing a finance team. Candidates from a FMCG or similar background will be of particular interest; however, this is beneficial and not essential.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a highly regarded employer in their industry, joining at a pivotal stage in their continued journey and being given the support and autonomy to make a tangible difference from the outset.