At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the finance function and manage day-to-day operations in a fast-growing business.
- Company: Rapidly scaling North East business with a dynamic growth trajectory.
- Benefits: Autonomy, influence, bonus potential, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Fully office-based role in Middlesbrough with hands-on responsibilities.
- Why this job: Join founders directly and make a real impact on financial strategy.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance roles with strong commercial awareness and proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Some finance roles are about keeping score. This one is about helping build something. We're working with a rapidly scaling North East business that has gone from start‐up to multi‐million‐pound growth in a remarkably short space of time. Operating across specialist industrial and offshore projects, they are entering a critical stage of growth and now need a Financial Controller who can help bring structure, visibility and control to the journey.
As the first full‐time finance hire, you'll work directly with the founders to shape the future of the finance function. There is already an experienced contractor supporting the business, so a handover period is in place, but this role does require someone comfortable rolling their sleeves up and taking ownership of the day‐to‐day finance operation in the short term.
If you enjoy autonomy, variety and the chance to genuinely influence a growing business, this could be the role that accelerates your career.
What's in it for you?
- The opportunity to build and shape a finance function from the ground up
- Direct exposure to entrepreneurial founders and strategic decision making
- Genuine autonomy and influence within a fast‐growing business
- Broad commercial exposure across projects, operations and manufacturing
- Future progression potential as the company continues to scale
- Bonus potential linked to contribution and performance
Responsibilities will include:
- Monthly management accounts, budgeting and forecasting
- Cashflow management and financial planning
- Project accounting and commercial analysis
- Managing invoicing, payables, receivables and reconciliations
- Improving systems, controls and reporting processes
- Supporting operational and strategic decision making
- Working closely with external accountants and advisors
- Taking ownership of bookkeeping and transactional finance activities in the short term
What they're looking for:
- Experience within a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or senior management accounting role
- Strong commercial awareness and cashflow management experience
- Someone comfortable balancing strategic finance responsibilities with hands‐on finance tasks
- Confidence operating independently within a fast‐paced environment
- Experience producing meaningful management information and insight
- A proactive mindset with the ability to spot problems before they happen
- Ideally experience within project‐led, engineering, manufacturing or industrial environments
- Fully qualified accountants are encouraged to apply, although strong qualified‐by‐experience candidates will also be considered.
This is a fully office‐based role in Middlesbrough.
Growth‐Stage Financial Controller: Shape the Finance employer: Paul Card Recruitment
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing North East business where you can play a pivotal role in shaping the finance function from the ground up. With direct exposure to entrepreneurial founders and the opportunity for genuine autonomy, this position offers a unique chance to influence strategic decision-making while enjoying broad commercial exposure across various projects. The company fosters a supportive work culture that values initiative and offers significant growth potential as it continues to scale.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Growth‐Stage Financial Controller: Shape the Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in growth-stage companies. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're trying to land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills in action! If you’ve got a portfolio of projects or case studies that demonstrate your financial prowess, don’t hesitate to share them during interviews. It’s all about proving you can bring structure and visibility to the finance function.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to roll up your sleeves! This role is all about taking ownership, so come prepared to discuss how you've tackled hands-on finance tasks in the past. Show them you’re not just a strategic thinker but also someone who can dive into the day-to-day operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Tailor your application to highlight your experience in project accounting and cashflow management, and let’s get you on board to shape the future of finance together!
We think you need these skills to ace Growth‐Stage Financial Controller: Shape the Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Growth:When writing your application, let us know why you're excited about helping a business grow. Share any relevant experiences where you've contributed to a company's success or helped shape a finance function.
Be Specific About Your Skills:We want to see how your skills match the role. Highlight your experience with cashflow management, budgeting, and project accounting. Use examples that demonstrate your hands-on approach and strategic thinking.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. Use similar language and phrases to show that you understand what we're looking for in a Financial Controller. This helps us see you as a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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 Paul Card Recruitment
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research the company thoroughly. Understand their growth journey, key projects, and the specific challenges they face in the finance sector. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in helping them shape their finance function.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role requires someone who can roll their sleeves up, be ready to discuss your previous hands-on finance experiences. Prepare examples where you've taken ownership of financial operations, managed cashflow, or improved systems. Highlight how your proactive mindset has helped spot and solve problems in the past.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This position is about balancing strategic responsibilities with day-to-day tasks. Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to strategic decision-making in previous roles. Share insights on how you can bring structure and visibility to their finance function while still managing the operational side effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions. Ask about their vision for the finance function, the challenges they anticipate as they scale, and how they measure success. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their long-term goals.
