At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Sage 50 implementation and enhance financial reporting processes.
- Company: Established manufacturing business in Blackburn with a focus on financial improvement.
- Benefits: Opportunity for permanent role and progression to Finance Director.
- Other info: Immediate start required; dynamic environment with opportunities for improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on finance role with growth potential.
- Qualifications: Experience with Sage 50, cash-flow management, and financial reporting.
The opportunity is for an experienced, hands-on Financial Controller or Finance Manager to join an established manufacturing business in Blackburn. The company has an annual turnover of approximately £10 million, employs around 60 people and is entering an important period of financial improvement and development. The existing finance structure includes ledger clerks alongside the support of a Fractional Finance Director. The successful candidate will initially join on a temporary basis for three months, with a strong likelihood that the position will develop into a permanent appointment with progression to FD over time. Immediate availability is essential, or you must be able to start at very short notice.
Your immediate priority will be to lead the implementation of Sage 50, ensuring the system is correctly established and capable of supporting accurate, timely financial reporting. Alongside the Sage 50 implementation, you will introduce appropriate financial controls, reporting processes and measures across the business. This is a hands-on position requiring someone comfortable taking ownership of both system implementation and day-to-day financial management. You will work closely with the Fractional Finance Director, preparing reliable financial information and monthly management accounts for FD review and sign-off.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the implementation and configuration of Sage 50
- Review existing finance processes and introduce appropriate controls and measures
- Establish accurate and dependable financial reporting procedures
- Take ownership of short- and medium-term cash-flow management and forecasting
- Prepare monthly management accounts for review and sign-off by the Fractional Finance Director
- Produce supporting analysis, reconciliations and commentary
- Monitor working capital, including debtors, creditors and cash requirements
- Support the business through its year-end accounting process
- Liaise with the Fractional Finance Director, external accountants and other professional advisers
- Support VAT registration requirements where necessary
- Prepare and submit accurate VAT returns
- Oversee and support the existing ledger clerks
- Improve the accuracy, consistency and timeliness of financial information
- Identify opportunities to strengthen processes, controls and management reporting
- Assist senior management with financial information and commercial decision-making
About you:
You will be an experienced and practical finance professional who can quickly assess the current position, establish priorities and begin making improvements. You must have:
- Previous experience implementing Sage 50 within a business
- Strong cash-flow management and forecasting experience
- Experience preparing complete monthly management accounts
- A good understanding of financial controls, reconciliations and reporting processes
- Experience supporting year-end accounts
- Knowledge of VAT registration, VAT accounting and VAT returns
- The confidence to work closely with a Fractional Finance Director and senior management
- The ability to oversee and support transactional finance staff
- A hands-on approach and willingness to become involved in the detail
- Immediate availability or the ability to begin at very short notice
Experience within manufacturing, engineering or a similarly operational SME environment would be particularly beneficial. Applications are welcomed from qualified, part-qualified and qualified-by-experience finance professionals who can demonstrate the necessary practical experience. If you are immediately available and have personally implemented Sage 50, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Financial Controller in Preston employer: Pure 4 Recruitment
Join a dynamic manufacturing business in Blackburn that values hands-on experience and offers a supportive work culture. With a focus on financial improvement, this role provides excellent opportunities for professional growth, including the potential for progression to Finance Director. Enjoy a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact the company's success and financial stability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Preston
✨Get Involved in Financial Networks
Join local financial associations or forums where you can connect with professionals in financial-controlling. Networking events often lead to temporary positions, as companies look for quick hires when they need extra hands.
✨Showcase Your Skills on Temporary Job Boards
Focus on platforms that specifically cater to temporary roles in finance. Sites like Reed or Totaljobs often list short-term gigs that are perfect for getting your foot in the door, and you can apply directly through our website for roles at Pure 4 Recruitment.
✨Leverage Your Uni's Career Services
If you're still in university, tap into your career services for internship or temporary job placements. They often have insider info on companies like Pure 4 Recruitment looking for temporary financial support, and they might help you polish your pitch.
✨Flexible Availability is Key
For temporary positions in financial-controlling, your availability can make a huge difference. Highlight your willingness to start immediately or work irregular hours when speaking to employers. This flexibility can land you that sought-after role!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Aces:In the financial controlling game, grades and relevant certifications can make a significant difference. Be sure to highlight your academic achievements, like finance-related coursework and any professional certifications you’ve got on your CV that show you’re clued up in this area. It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just good at numbers but also know your stuff!
Quantify Your Achievements:When applying for a temporary role in financial controlling, make sure your CV reflects any previous experience with real, measurable outcomes. Use numbers to showcase your past successes, like percentage improvements in budgeting or cost savings you’ve achieved in previous roles. This not only gives us insights into your capabilities but also tells us you're results-driven.
Personalise Your Application:We love seeing applicants who take the time to tailor their applications! In your cover letter, mention why you’re particularly interested in the temporary role with Pure 4 Recruitment and how your specific skills and experiences align with the job. Show us that you see this role as an opportunity to contribute, even if it's for a short stint!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to highlight your availability in your application. We’re interested in knowing how soon you can start and if you’re open to working flexible hours. This shows us your eagerness to jump right in and adapt to the dynamic needs of our team at Pure 4 Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pure 4 Recruitment
✨Get Hands-On with Financial Tools
Being in financial controlling means you’ll likely be working with various software like Excel, Power BI, or even SAP. Make sure you brush up on these tools and prepare to discuss your experience using them. Being able to reference specific projects or analyses where you employed these programs will definitely give you an edge.
✨Prepare for Technical Financial Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to analyse financial statements or suggest budgetary strategies during the interview. Practising common financial concepts like variance analysis or cost control measures will not only boost your confidence but also prove your suitability for the role.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Adaptability
As this is a temporary position, the interviewers will want to see that you can hit the ground running. Be sure to highlight any previous short-term roles or projects where you successfully adapted to new environments quickly – this will showcase your readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Precision
In financial controlling, attention to detail is absolutely crucial. Be ready to provide examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to spot discrepancies and ensure accuracy in financial reporting. Your precision could be the factor that sets you apart in a temporary role like this one!
