Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial accounting and oversee month-end close for multiple UK entities.
  • Company: Join Progress Rail, a global leader in rail solutions and technologies.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, gym discounts, and 33 days holiday.
  • Why this job: Shape financial excellence and make a real impact in a high-responsibility role.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 5+ years of finance experience and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and offering excellent career growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Ensure all your application information is up to date and in order before applying for this opportunity.

15-MONTH MATERNITY COVER SANDIACRE, NG10 5AN (ONSITE)

COMPETITIVE SALARY

Are you a Financial Controller looking for a high-impact role with real breadth and leadership responsibility? We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Financial Controller to lead our Financial Accounting and Transactional Services functions across Progress Rail Services UK Ltd, Progress Rail Leasing UK Ltd, and Electro-Motive Diesel Ltd.

In this key leadership role, you will take ownership of our month-end close, oversee all tax activities, and ensure robust European branch accounting. You will guide our Accounts Payable, Credit Control, and Treasury teams, acting as the primary point of contact for our external auditors. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a broad, influential position where you will shape financial excellence across multiple business entities and support our continued operational success.

THE ROLE: As a Financial Controller, you will be required to:

  • Lead the financial accounting function across all three UK entities, ensuring strong financial control and full compliance with US GAAP, SOX and internal standards.
  • Manage the complete month-end close process, delivering accurate and timely financial reporting and insightful analysis.
  • Oversee statutory and tax reporting requirements, including VAT returns, National Statistics submissions, fixed asset and lease accounting, and branch accounts for Germany, Belgium and Croatia.
  • Act as the primary liaison with PwC, managing the year-end audit from planning through to completion and ensuring all information is provided accurately and on time.
  • Maintain adherence to regulatory, quality, safety, environmental and company procedures, supporting a secure, safe and productive working environment.
  • Provide leadership and direction to a team comprising: 3 direct reports - Transaction Services Manager, Financial Accountant, Assistant Financial Accountant; 6 indirect team members - Accounts Payable Manager (1), Accounts Payable Clerks (2), Cashier and Credit Controllers (2), Accounts Clerk.
  • Provide technical accounting support to FP&A teams and act as deputy for the Finance Director where required.
  • Support operational and financial performance by offering insight into results and contributing to opportunities for OPACC and wider business improvement.
  • Lead the finance contribution on business projects, offering technical and commercial input.
  • Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, reporting processes and quality assurance through issue analysis, solution development and implementation.
  • Promote Progress Rail and Caterpillar values, ensuring high standards of stewardship, resource use and ethical conduct across the finance function.
  • Ensure all reporting timetables are met, producing accurate information to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Support wider team objectives, collaborating effectively to meet collective deadlines and maintain strong internal controls.

THE CANDIDATE: The ideal Financial Controller:

  • Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACA/ACCA).
  • Minimum of 5 years finance experience within financial accounting.
  • Strong leadership skills and development of team.
  • Ability to produce business cases/reports and lead business projects.
  • Self-starter with proven ability to work on own initiative.
  • Proactive approach to identification and resolution of improvement opportunities.
  • Ability to deal with change and prioritise workload in a changing environment.
  • Commercial awareness and the ability to make sound decisions aligned to wider business strategy.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Experience of ERP systems, Microsoft Office packages, particularly Excel.
  • Experience of Microsoft Dynamics desired, not essential.
  • Numerate and articulate.

BENEFITS:

  • Competitive salary.
  • Generous pension scheme with 7% employer contribution.
  • Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support.
  • Discounted gym membership - up to 25% off at 4,000+ UK gyms.
  • Fuel card savings of 2-3p per litre at 3,500 stations, including BP, Esso and Shell.
  • Employee recognition schemes celebrating great work.
  • 33 days' holiday per year (inclusive of bank/public holidays).

ABOUT PROGRESS RAIL: Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signalling, rail welding and Kershaw Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. Progress Rail's deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions. With a global network across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Australia, China, India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, we are committed to serving our customers.

PROGRESS RAIL VALUES: Integrity - the power of honesty; Excellence - the power of quality; Teamwork - the power of working together; Commitment - the power of responsibility; Sustainability - the power of endurance.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES: Progress Rail is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We value and embrace diversity of thought, background and unique experiences and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive workforce and culture.

HOW TO APPLY: To be considered for this role, please click on the link provided. If you would like any further information about this vacancy before applying, please feel free to contact Taher Rahman at our Sandiacre site. We would politely request no agencies please.

Financial Controller employer: Progress Rail

Progress Rail is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Sandiacre where you can lead financial excellence across multiple entities. With a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing through initiatives like the Employee Assistance Programme and discounted gym memberships, we prioritise your growth and work-life balance. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values integrity, teamwork, and sustainability, while providing ample opportunities for professional development and impactful contributions.
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Contact Detail:

Progress Rail Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Financial Controller

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at Progress Rail. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of US GAAP and SOX compliance. We want you to shine when discussing how you can lead financial excellence across multiple entities!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects. We love hearing about how you've driven continuous improvement in financial systems.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Progress Rail team.

We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller

Financial Accounting
US GAAP
SOX Compliance
Tax Reporting
Leadership Skills
Team Development
Business Case Development
Proactive Problem Solving
Change Management
Commercial Awareness
Communication Skills
ERP Systems Experience
Microsoft Excel Proficiency
Numeracy
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Keep Your Info Up to Date: Before you hit that apply button, make sure all your details are current and accurate. We want to see the best version of you, so double-check your CV and cover letter for any typos or outdated info!

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take a moment to align your experience with the Financial Controller role. Highlight your leadership skills and financial expertise to show us why you're the perfect fit.

Showcase Your Achievements: We love to see results! When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements and how you’ve contributed to financial excellence. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible!

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Progress Rail

✨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. Prepare examples of how you've managed month-end closes or overseen tax reporting to show your expertise.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

This role requires strong leadership, so think about times when you've led a team or project. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've guided your team through challenges, improved processes, or contributed to business projects. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop others.

✨Understand Compliance Standards

Familiarise yourself with US GAAP, SOX, and any other relevant compliance standards. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, and consider bringing up any experiences with audits, especially if you've liaised with external auditors like PwC.

✨Prepare Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Ask about their approach to continuous improvement in financial systems or how they support team development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

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