At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance function, manage cash flow, budgeting, and team development.
- Company: Growing manufacturing business with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and influence strategic decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a key role driving financial success.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong leadership and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
My client are a growing manufacturing business. They are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Financial Controller to lead their finance function and play a key role in supporting the business's continued growth and success.
Reporting to senior leadership, you will be responsible for the integrity of financial reporting, cash flow management, budgeting and forecasting, financial controls, and team leadership. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant who enjoys combining strong technical expertise with commercial insight and people management.
The successful candidate will lead month-end and year-end processes, oversee Accounts Payable and Credit Control teams, drive process improvements, and provide strategic financial support across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities- Financial Reporting & Management Accounts
- Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
- Ensure accurate and timely production of management accounts.
- Deliver meaningful financial analysis and commentary to senior management.
- Maintain compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and company policies.
- Cash Flow & Working Capital Management
- Monitor and manage daily cash flow and liquidity.
- Prepare and maintain rolling cash flow forecasts.
- Drive improvements in working capital performance.
- Manage banking relationships and support funding requirements.
- Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning
- Lead the annual budget and periodic forecasting processes.
- Partner with departmental leaders to monitor financial performance.
- Analyse variances and provide commercial recommendations.
- Support strategic decision-making through financial modelling and business analysis.
- Financial Controls, Compliance & Audit
- Maintain robust financial controls and governance frameworks.
- Coordinate external audits and statutory reporting requirements.
- Ensure compliance with tax, VAT, and regulatory obligations.
- Identify and implement process and system improvements.
- Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop finance team members.
- Foster a high-performing, collaborative finance culture.
- Drive automation, reporting enhancements, and operational efficiencies.
- Support continuous professional development across the finance team.
- Credit Control Leadership
- Manage and develop the Credit Control function.
- Oversee debt collection strategies and customer account management.
- Minimise bad debt exposure through effective controls and processes.
- Ensure timely escalation and resolution of overdue accounts.
- Accounts Payable Leadership
- Oversee the Accounts Payable function and supplier payment processes.
- Ensure accurate invoice processing and approval workflows.
- Maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Strengthen controls across the purchase-to-pay cycle.
You will be a proactive and commercially focused finance professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for driving continuous improvement.
Qualifications- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline preferred.
- Strong knowledge of UK GAAP, IFRS, and financial reporting standards.
- Advanced Excel skills and experience using financial systems.
- Experience with ERP systems such as Sage 200, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or similar platforms is desirable.
- Minimum 5–7 years' finance experience.
- At least 2–3 years in a senior finance leadership role such as Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Senior Management Accountant, or Assistant Financial Controller.
- Proven experience managing month-end and year-end close processes.
- Strong background in budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, and cash flow management.
- Demonstrable experience managing Accounts Payable and Credit Control teams.
- Experience leading audits, statutory compliance, and financial control improvements.
- Experience within a fast-paced or multi-entity environment is advantageous.
- Excellent leadership and people management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to communicate financial information effectively to non-financial stakeholders.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Commercially aware with a strong business partnering approach.
- Proactive mindset with a focus on process improvement and automation.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to play a key role in a growing organisation.
- Collaborative and supportive working environment.
- Career development and progression opportunities.
- The chance to influence strategic decision-making and drive business performance.
Financial Controller in Reading employer: Parkside Recruitment
Join a dynamic and growing manufacturing business as a Financial Controller, where you will lead a collaborative finance team in a supportive environment that values continuous improvement and professional development. With competitive salaries and a focus on career progression, this role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making and drive business performance while enjoying a strong work-life balance in a thriving location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial practices. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around cash flow management and budgeting. Show them you’re not just a number cruncher but a strategic partner!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your value as a Financial Controller. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've driven process improvements in past roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by our hiring team directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Financial Controller role. Highlight your leadership experience, financial reporting skills, and any relevant software knowledge to catch our eye!
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 driven improvements in financial processes or led teams successfully.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We love seeing strong technical expertise! Be sure to mention your qualifications, like ACA or ACCA, and any experience with ERP systems. This will help us understand your background better.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkside Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and analysis. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the manufacturing sector and be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also provide valuable insights.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading teams, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed finance teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you fostered a collaborative culture. This will highlight your people management skills and your ability to drive performance.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially around cash flow management and budgeting. Prepare to discuss how you would handle hypothetical situations, such as a sudden cash flow crisis or discrepancies in financial reports. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and readiness for real-world challenges.
✨Understand the Business
Research the company’s operations and financial health before the interview. Familiarise yourself with their products, market position, and any recent news. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their growth and success.
