At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and strategic planning for a dynamic imaging and printing company.
- Company: Established provider of imaging, printing, and document services with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for leadership growth.
- Other info: Mentor a talented finance team and drive continuous improvement in financial processes.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role in guiding the company through its next phase of growth.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance; 8+ years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
ProspectBlue has partnered with our client in their search for a Controller & Director of Finance. Our client is a well-established provider of imaging, printing, direct mail, and document services, operating high-volume production workflows throughout the Mid-Atlantic. As the organization prepares to relocate its headquarters from Ashburn to Winchester in April 2027, they are seeking a strategic, hands-on finance leader to help guide the business through its next phase of growth. Reporting directly to the President with a dotted-line relationship to the Corporate CFO, this highly visible leadership position combines traditional controllership responsibilities with financial planning & analysis (FP&A), operational finance, and business partnership. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable managing day-to-day accounting operations while providing meaningful financial insights that improve operational performance and support strategic decision-making.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Accounting & Financial Operations: Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting. Oversee the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and bank reconciliations. Prepare monthly financial statements and management reporting packages. Coordinate annual audits and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors. Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures. Manage fixed asset accounting and depreciation schedules. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax requirements, including Virginia sales and use tax filings. Drive continuous improvements in accounting systems, reporting, and financial processes.
- Operational Finance: Analyze job costing and profitability across production, mailing, printing, imaging, and fulfillment services. Partner with operations to monitor labor efficiency, equipment utilization, and overhead allocation. Oversee inventory accounting, including raw materials and work-in-process, while partnering with operations on physical inventory reconciliations. Improve working capital by monitoring receivables, payables, cash flow, and cash conversion metrics. Support pricing strategies through cost analysis, margin modeling, and customer profitability reporting. Partner with account managers to evaluate pricing for new and existing business. Oversee postage accounting, permit balances, postage advances, and related reconciliations.
- Financial Planning & Analysis: Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process. Develop and maintain rolling cash flow forecasts. Build dashboards and KPIs that measure operational and financial performance. Provide monthly variance analysis and actionable recommendations to executive leadership. Identify financial risks and opportunities while supporting strategic planning initiatives. Prepare ad hoc financial analyses to support business decisions and capital investments.
- Capital Planning: Evaluate and analyze capital investment opportunities, including new production equipment. Support financing decisions and return-on-investment analyses. Track post-implementation financial performance of capital investments.
- Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting and finance team. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Serve as a trusted financial partner to executive leadership and operational teams.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA or CMA preferred.
- 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including at least 3 years leading both accounting and FP&A functions.
- Strong background in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and operational finance.
- Experience with job costing, inventory accounting, and work-in-process accounting.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to build financial models and executive reporting.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial data into actionable business insights.
- Experience within manufacturing, printing, fulfillment, mailing, or another production-based environment is strongly preferred.
- Experience with ERP systems and accounting software such as QuickBooks, Sage, or similar platforms.
- Familiarity with USPS mailing regulations and postage accounting is a plus.
Controller & Director of Finance in Winchester employer: Prospect Blue
At our Norfolk, VA location, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment where employees can thrive. As a Collections Clerk, you will benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring your professional growth while contributing to a collaborative team culture. Our commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in accounting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controller & Director of Finance in Winchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Prospect Blue. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Controller & Director of Finance in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Prospect Blue.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Prospect Blue's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospect Blue
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Prospect Blue.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Prospect Blue will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Prospect Blue employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
