At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team, drive performance, and optimise efficiencies in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: A successful mid-market SME in Bedfordshire with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, pension, private medical insurance, and life assurance.
- Other info: Contract role for 6 months with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Take ownership of financial leadership and make a significant impact on business growth.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in manufacturing or FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you looking for your next Interim/Contract Finance opportunity? Are you a commercially focused Financial Controller with a proven background in manufacturing or FMCG? A successful, privately owned mid-market SME in Bedfordshire is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to take ownership of a finance team of 4, partner closely with the SLT, and drive commercial and operational performance across the business. This role will be offered on a contract basis for a period of 6 months on either a fixed term contract or day rate. Pay rates available are up to £80,000 per annum FTC or £450 per day Inside IR35. This is a pivotal leadership role combining technical and commercial finance experience within a nationwide manufacturing organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Control & Reporting: Lead the preparation of accurate monthly management accounts, variance analysis, board packs, statutory reporting, and year-end audit liaison.
- Costing & Operational Accounting: Oversee standard costing, product profitability, gross margin analysis, COGS, BOM, inventory control, and work-in-progress (WIP) accounting.
- Business Partnering: Collaborate directly with operations, Project Management, and Plant Managers to optimise efficiencies, monitor CapEx projects, and drive margin expansion.
- Cash Flow & Treasury: Manage robust working capital strategies, rolling 13-week cash flow forecasts, and banking relationships.
- Planning & Strategy: Drive the annual budgeting process, rolling re-forecasts, and financial modelling to support mid-to-long-term SME growth strategies.
- Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and develop a small finance team of 4, fostering a high-performance culture across transactional and reporting functions.
- Systems & Internal Controls: Continuously evaluate internal controls, ERP capability, and automated reporting workflows to enhance decision-making.
Candidate Requirements
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
- Industry Background: Experience working within a manufacturing, engineering, or FMCG would be advantageous.
- SME Agility: Proven track record inside a mid-market, privately owned business with proven experience of partnering SLT.
- Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of standard costing, bill of materials (BOM), stock valuation, and supply chain finance metrics. Exposure to FRS reporting standards is essential.
- Communication & Influence: Excellent interpersonal skills with the confidence to challenge and influence non-finance operational leaders.
What’s on Offer
- Base salary up to £80,000 per annum or £375-£450 on a day rate.
- Discretionary bonus scheme up to 15%.
- Pension contribution.
- Private medical insurance and life assurance.
Interim Financial Controller in England employer: Morgan McKinley
As a leading international savings and investments business with over a century of experience, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our flexible working arrangements and commitment to workplace accommodations ensure that you can thrive in your role as the Group Financial Crime Policy and Standards Manager, while contributing to our mission of delivering exceptional financial outcomes for our clients. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, innovation, and integrity in the financial sector.
