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 and entrepreneurial culture.
- 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 a start-up journey 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 55000 - 65000 £ 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
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.
Financial Controller in Thornaby-on-Tees 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 direct exposure to entrepreneurial founders and a culture that values autonomy and influence, you will play a pivotal role in driving the company's success while enjoying broad commercial exposure and future progression potential. This fully office-based role in Middlesbrough offers a collaborative work environment and bonus potential linked to your contributions and performance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Thornaby-on-Tees
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in project-led or industrial environments. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're trying to land that Financial Controller role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the company's journey and growth. Show them you’re not just about numbers; you’re excited about helping shape their finance function. Bring ideas on how you can improve their systems and controls!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your proactive attitude.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare and stand out. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment to joining our rapidly scaling team. Let’s get you that Financial Controller position!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Thornaby-on-Tees
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Controller. Highlight your experience in cashflow management and project accounting, and don’t forget to showcase any hands-on finance tasks you've tackled. We want to see how you can bring structure and visibility to our growing business!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about helping us build something from the ground up. Share specific examples of how you've influenced financial functions in previous roles, and let your personality come through. We love a bit of enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight instances where you've spotted potential issues before they became problems. We’re looking for someone proactive who can manage the day-to-day finance operations while also thinking strategically. Let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our journey right from the start!
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. Show that you can not only keep score but also help build the financial structure of a growing business.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role is about more than just day-to-day finance tasks; it's about shaping the future. Prepare examples of how you've contributed to strategic decision-making in previous positions. Highlight your ability to balance hands-on tasks with long-term planning.
✨Emphasise Your Autonomy
The company is looking for someone who can take ownership and work independently. Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully managed projects or processes without much oversight. This will show that you're comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
With a proactive mindset being essential, think of instances where you've identified potential issues before they arose. Prepare to discuss how you approached these challenges and what solutions you implemented. This will demonstrate your ability to foresee and mitigate risks.
