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- Tasks: Lead the finance function, manage budgets, and support commercial decisions.
- Company: Established UK manufacturing business with a focus on quality and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension, and long-term career opportunities.
- Other info: Hands-on role with strong visibility and influence in the organisation.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in finance leadership.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in UK manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
An excellent opportunity to join a sizeable manufacturing business as Financial Controller / Head of Finance, leading the on‑site finance function and partnering closely with senior leadership. The role offers a broad remit across financial control, reporting, costing and commercial decision support within a group‑owned environment.
Our exclusive client is a well‑established UK manufacturing business based in the Dartford area, operating within a wider group structure. The business manufactures in‑house and supplies a range of markets, with a strong focus on quality, operational excellence and long‑term growth.
As Financial Controller / Head of Finance, you will be the senior finance lead on site, responsible for the full finance function and acting as a key member of the local leadership team. Key responsibilities will include:
- Full financial control, statutory accounts and audit management
- Budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management
- Group reporting and alignment with parent‑company requirements
- Standard costing, inventory control and margin analysis
- Supporting commercial tenders and capital investment appraisals
- Leading, developing and mentoring the on‑site finance team
- Acting as a trusted business partner to the Managing Director and senior stakeholders
This is a hands‑on role requiring strong on‑site presence and close engagement with operations.
The successful Financial Controller will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with experience in a UK manufacturing environment. You will bring strong financial control capability, exposure to standard costing and inventory‑driven businesses, and experience reporting into a group or parent organisation. You will be commercially minded, comfortable operating at senior leadership level, and able to balance robust controls with pragmatic business partnering in an established operational environment.
Competitive senior‑level base salary (dependent on experience), 25 days' holiday plus Christmas shutdown, pension, on‑site role with long‑term career opportunity within a group environment, and a broad, influential finance leadership position with real visibility and impact.
Financial Controller / Head of Finance in Kent employer: Michael Page
Contact Detail:
Michael Page Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller / Head of Finance in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those in manufacturing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial control knowledge and industry trends. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that showcase your experience in budgeting and forecasting.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Financial Controller gig! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and connect directly with hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller / Head of Finance in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Controller / Head of Finance. Highlight your experience in financial control, budgeting, and working in a manufacturing environment. We want to see how your skills align with 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 successfully managed finance functions and partnered with senior leadership in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Qualifications: As a fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA), make sure to prominently display your qualifications. We’re looking for someone with strong financial control capability, so don’t be shy about your credentials and relevant experience!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the manufacturing sector, such as standard costing and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these areas in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the company’s operations and market position. Research their products, target markets, and competitors. This will help you articulate how your financial strategies can support their long-term growth and operational excellence during the interview.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you’ve led finance teams or collaborated with senior stakeholders. Highlight your mentoring experience and how you’ve developed talent within your team to align with the company's focus on growth.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in financial control and reporting. Think about past challenges you've faced in budgeting or audit management and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.