At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and optimise finance operations for a growing soap manufacturer.
- Company: Join the UK's largest bar soap manufacturer with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and excellent health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to innovation and social responsibility.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a sustainable brand while driving financial excellence.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA with experience in fast-paced manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
"The Bar is Back" - and we need your financial leadership, commercial insight, and drive for operational excellence to help us scale from 20 million to 70 million bars a year. Soapworks creates high-quality, sustainable soap products for global brands. As we enter an exciting phase of rapid growth, we’re looking for an experienced, hands-on Financial Controller to lead our finance function and support strategic decision-making. From driving robust financial controls and delivering accurate, timely reporting to supporting investment decisions and shaping long-term financial strategy, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring our commercial success as we scale - safeguarding profitability, managing risk, and enabling sustainable growth.
As a key member of our leadership team, you’ll help shape the future of our business, working alongside a passionate and innovative workforce committed to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
The Role at a Glance
- Location: Glasgow / Remote Working Fridays
- Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 per annum DOE + 33 days holiday, rising with service
- Full Time - Permanent
- Hours of Work (37.5hrs per week): 8am - 4.30pm (Mon-Thurs), 8am - 3pm (Fri - working from home)
- Reporting to: Managing Director
- Values: Ethical, Sustainable, Trusted
- Company: UK’s Largest Bar Soap Manufacturer with a global customer base
Your Background / Skills
- Fully Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA plus solid practical experience in a fast-paced environment ideally within a manufacturing environment.
- Leading and developing a finance team.
- Experience working with BI tools.
- Food, Manufacturing, Personal care ideally exposure to contract manufacturing.
The Opportunity
Soapworks is looking for a proactive and commercially minded Financial Controller to lead the optimisation and innovation of our finance operations as we scale up the business. In this role, you’ll focus on enhancing financial processes, improving reporting accuracy, and strengthening overall financial performance - driving cost control, supporting strategic investments, and ensuring robust financial governance in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise on financial strategy to support company objectives.
- Lead, motivate, and develop the finance team to ensure high performance.
- Provide financial guidance to managers and staff to help achieve targets.
- Manage cash flow, working capital, and treasury functions.
- Prepare annual budgets, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow.
- Present financial reports to the Board and participate in monthly meetings.
- Oversee Group Reporting, including monthly sales and P&L reports.
- Deliver financial updates at fortnightly KPI meetings.
- Produce monthly management accounts and Finance Board reports.
- Coordinate year-end reporting and external audits.
- Manage operational performance reviews and P&L reforecasts.
- Prepare monthly 13-week cash flow forecasts.
- Authorise and ensure accuracy of supplier payments.
- Review product costings with BDM for new business opportunities.
- Analyse profitability by customer and product type.
- Develop Capex business cases and payback analysis with senior management.
- Liaise with auditors to ensure accurate statutory reporting.
- Maintain relationships with banking partners and supply management accounts.
Education/Qualifications
- Fully ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified along with practical experience in a fast-paced environment ideally within a manufacturing environment.
- Educated to degree level.
Experience / Skills / Knowledge
- Demonstrable experience of leading and developing a finance team.
- Working in a multiple margin control and strict cash-flow management business.
- Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy in financial reports and compliance documentation.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to address financial discrepancies and operational inefficiencies.
- Knowledge of working with BI tools to drive financial improvements.
- Proficient in MS Office.
- Knowledge of integrating new ERP system such as MS Dynamics / Business Central or equivalent would be preferable.
Aptitudes/Attributes
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to provide financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
- Strong analytical skills and capable of breaking down complex financial issues and identifying patterns, risks and opportunities.
- Good time management skill with the ability to work under pressure.
- An excellent team player who can work alongside other members of the executive team to deliver the strategic plan of the business.
Other Job Requirements
- May need to be able to travel.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive Market Salary.
- 4-weekly pay cycle.
- 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays rising with service.
- Pension.
- Death in Service benefit of 3x basic salary.
- Income Protection Benefit after 1 year in role.
- Access to Help@Hand who provide EAP, GP & Physio services.
- They also provide information on health, family, money & work, as well as discounts with various retailers.
Financial Controller – Leading Soap FMCG Manufacturer – 20170 in Glasgow employer: RR
Soapworks is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where financial leadership meets sustainability. With a commitment to employee growth and a robust benefits package, including 33 days of holiday and access to comprehensive health services, we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration in our Glasgow-based team. Join us as we scale our operations and make a meaningful impact in the personal care industry while working alongside passionate individuals dedicated to quality and ethical practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller – Leading Soap FMCG Manufacturer – 20170 in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Soapworks and its values. Understand their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their ambitious growth plans.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial storytelling! Be ready to discuss your past experiences in leading finance teams and driving operational excellence. Use specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to manage cash flow effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Soapworks team and contributing to their exciting journey ahead.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller – Leading Soap FMCG Manufacturer – 20170 in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Financial Controller role. Highlight your qualifications, especially your ACA/ACCA/CIMA status, and any relevant experience in manufacturing or fast-paced environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about financial excellence and how your background aligns with our mission at Soapworks. Don’t forget to mention your experience in leading finance teams and driving operational improvements.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage cash flow, improve reporting accuracy, and support strategic investments. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at RR
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Soapworks, such as cash flow management and P&L statements. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive business decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires leading and developing a finance team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams in the past, especially in fast-paced environments. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure high performance.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Soapworks is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs. This will show that you're not just a numbers person, but also a cultural fit for the company.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle financial discrepancies. Think of scenarios where you've had to analyse complex financial issues or implement new processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
