At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance across an international manufacturing group.
- Company: Raytec, a dynamic company with ambitious growth plans and strong values.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, monthly bonus, healthcare, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a trusted team where 93% of employees love working.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and proven financial leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Ashington, Northumberland | Permanent | Competitive Salary + Monthly Bonus
Shape the Future of an International Business
At Raytec, we're entering an exciting new phase of growth. Following the acquisition of our Finnish business and with ambitious plans to significantly grow the Group over the coming years, we're looking for an exceptional finance leader to help shape our future. You'll be a trusted adviser, strategic partner and key member of the leadership team, helping guide business decisions across our operations in the UK, Canada and Finland.
This is a rare opportunity to join a successful international manufacturing business at a pivotal point in its journey. You'll inherit a strong finance function and have the opportunity to transform it into a commercially focused, forward-looking business partner that supports growth, investment and long-term success.
If you're motivated by influence, challenge and the chance to leave a lasting mark on a growing business, we'd love to hear from you.
The Opportunity
- Location: Ashington, Northumberland
- Salary: Competitive salary dependent on experience, plus monthly bonus
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm, Friday 8.30am to 2.30pm
- Contract: Permanent
Why This Role Exists
As Raytec continues to expand internationally, we're elevating this role from financial control to full financial leadership across the Group. Our finance function has been instrumental in supporting the business to date. The next phase requires a leader who can provide strategic insight, strengthen commercial decision-making, improve forecasting and planning, and build the financial framework needed to support future growth.
You’ll work closely with the Managing Director, Senior Leadership Team and stakeholders across the wider Group, ensuring finance plays a central role in shaping the company's future rather than simply reporting on its past.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide financial leadership across the Raytec Group, including Raytec Ltd, Raytec Systems Inc and Atexor Oy.
- Take overall responsibility for accounting, reporting and financial governance across multiple entities, currencies and international locations.
- Partner with senior leaders to influence key commercial and strategic decisions.
- Develop robust forecasting, planning and performance management processes.
- Drive financial visibility through meaningful reporting, analysis and commercial insight.
- Lead commercial governance activities including contracts, risk management and support for future acquisitions.
- Build, develop and inspire the finance team, creating a high-performing culture focused on continuous improvement.
- Act as a trusted adviser to the Managing Director and leadership team, challenging constructively and helping shape the strategic direction of the business.
What Success Looks Like
In your first 12 months, you'll:
- Establish yourself as a trusted member of the senior leadership team.
- Strengthen forecasting and financial planning capabilities across the Group.
- Improve visibility of business performance through insightful management information and KPI reporting.
- Further align finance processes across our international businesses.
- Support key commercial decisions and strategic initiatives.
- Develop the capability of the finance team to support future growth.
- Create a finance function that delivers forward-looking insight and drives business performance.
What We’re Looking For
You’ll be an experienced finance leader who combines technical excellence with commercial awareness and the ability to influence at board and senior leadership level. You’ll need:
- A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Proven financial leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience of group or multi-entity finance, including international operations and multi-currency consolidation.
- A track record of supporting strategy and commercial decision‑making.
- Strong forecasting, modelling and financial planning expertise.
- Experience managing audit, compliance and internal controls.
- The confidence to challenge, influence and guide senior stakeholders.
- Excellent leadership skills and a passion for developing people.
It would also be beneficial if you have:
- Experience supporting acquisitions or post‑acquisition integration.
- Experience working within an international group structure.
- Familiarity with ERP systems, ideally SAP Business One.
- Experience of contracts and risk management.
- Availability for occasional international travel.
Why Join Raytec?
Ask our team what it's like to work here and you'll often hear, "the best place I've ever worked." 93% of employees say Raytec is a great place to work and cite the trust they're given as one of the biggest reasons why. Our products protect people and property in some of the world's most challenging environments, from the Arctic Circle to remote industrial facilities across the globe. You’ll join a business with ambitious growth plans, strong values and a culture where people are trusted to make a difference.
Attractive monthly bonus scheme Healthcare
Head of Group Finance in Northumberland employer: Raytec
Raytec provides a supportive work environment that encourages employee development and leadership. With a focus on sustainability and compliance, the company is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Group Finance in Northumberland
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Raytec. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Raytec.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Raytec. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Group Finance in Northumberland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Raytec and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Raytec how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Raytec
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Raytec.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Raytec's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
