At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance function, manage cash flow, and drive strategic financial support.
- Company: Growing manufacturing business with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence strategic decisions and drive business performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a key leadership role within a dynamic organisation.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ 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.
About You
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.
Experience
- 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.
Skills & Competencies
- 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.
What We Offer
- 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 employer: Parkside
Join a dynamic and growing manufacturing business as a Financial Controller, where you will lead the finance function in a collaborative and supportive environment. With a focus on career development and progression, this role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making while driving process improvements and fostering a high-performing finance culture. Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, all while contributing to the continued success of the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨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 Parkside. 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
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 Parkside.
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 Parkside'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 Parkside
✨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 Parkside.
✨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 Parkside 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 Parkside 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.
