At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and build the finance function for a rapidly growing business.
- Company: Dynamic North East company with a fast-paced, entrepreneurial culture.
- Benefits: Autonomy, influence, bonus potential, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Fully office-based role in Middlesbrough with a supportive handover period.
- Why this job: Join a critical growth phase and make a real impact on the company's future.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance roles with strong commercial awareness and cashflow management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ 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's gone from start-up to multi-million-pound growth in a remarkably short space of time. Operating across specialist industrial and offshore projects, they’re 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
The role
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. To find out more, apply now or contact Paul Card Recruitment for a confidential conversation. Even if your CV isn’t fully up to date, we’d still encourage a chat.
Financial Controller in Middlesbrough employer: Paul Card Recruitment
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing North East business as a Financial Controller, where you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the finance function from the ground up. With a culture that values autonomy and innovation, you'll work closely with entrepreneurial founders, gaining broad commercial exposure and the chance to influence strategic decision-making. Enjoy competitive bonus potential linked to your contributions and the promise of future career progression as the company continues to scale.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Middlesbrough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work in finance or have connections to the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s growth story. Understand their projects and challenges, so you can show how your skills can help them build a solid finance function from the ground up.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've taken ownership of finance operations. This will demonstrate that you’re not just about strategy but also about rolling up your sleeves.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Middlesbrough
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 experience in cashflow management and project accounting, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're excited about building a finance function from the ground up. Share specific examples of how you've influenced financial processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Autonomy:We want to see that you can operate independently in a fast-paced environment. Mention instances where you've taken ownership of finance tasks and how it positively impacted your team or company.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paul Card Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you can bring structure and visibility to the finance function.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role is about more than just keeping score; it's about shaping the future. Prepare examples of how you've influenced strategic decisions in previous positions. Highlight your ability to balance hands-on tasks with long-term planning.
✨Emphasise Your Autonomy
The company values independence and initiative. Be ready to share instances where you've taken ownership of projects or processes. This will illustrate that you're comfortable rolling your sleeves up and managing day-to-day operations.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
With a proactive mindset being essential, expect questions about how you've identified and solved financial issues in the past. Think of specific challenges you've faced and how you turned them into opportunities for improvement.
