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 critical growth phase 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
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.
Growth‑Stage Financial Controller: Shape the Finance in Thornaby-on-Tees employer: Paul Card Recruitment
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing North East business where you can truly make an impact as the first full-time Financial Controller. With a culture that values autonomy and innovation, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the finance function from the ground up while working closely with entrepreneurial founders. Enjoy broad commercial exposure, future progression potential, and a performance-linked bonus structure in a supportive environment that fosters personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Growth‑Stage Financial Controller: Shape the Finance in Thornaby-on-Tees
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work in finance roles. Attend local meetups or online webinars to connect with potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your achievements in finance. When you land an interview, use this to demonstrate how you can bring structure and control to their finance function.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you're interested in, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly through our website and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! In fast-paced environments, interviews can be dynamic. Be ready to discuss how you've handled challenges in previous roles and how you can adapt to help shape their finance function.
We think you need these skills to ace Growth‑Stage Financial Controller: Shape the Finance 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 shaping a finance function from the ground up. Share specific examples of how you've influenced financial decisions in previous roles. We love seeing passion and initiative!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give us a glimpse of your proactive mindset. Talk about times when you've spotted potential issues before they became problems and how you tackled them. We’re looking for someone who can think on their feet and take ownership of challenges.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and let us know why you’d be a great fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paul Card Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around cashflow management and project accounting. Be ready to discuss how you've handled these areas in previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the responsibilities you'll be taking on.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role is about shaping the finance function, so come prepared with examples of how you've contributed to strategic decision-making in the past. Think about times when your insights led to significant improvements or changes in your previous companies.
✨Demonstrate Your Hands-On Approach
Since the company is looking for someone who can roll their sleeves up, share specific instances where you've taken ownership of day-to-day finance operations. Highlight your ability to manage invoicing, payables, and reconciliations effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company's growth and your potential role in it. Inquire about their current financial systems and what challenges they face, as this demonstrates your proactive mindset and eagerness to contribute.
