At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and improve operational efficiency in a major manufacturing site.
- Company: Join a leading production site with a dynamic international team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, strong career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Be a key player in financial decision-making and operational success.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in manufacturing finance and fluency in Mandarin required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Norwich, Norfolk
Employment Type: Full time
Salary: Competitive
Are you an experienced financial leader with strong manufacturing experience? This is an excellent opportunity to join a major production site as a key member of the management team, responsible for driving financial performance, improving operational efficiency, and supporting strategic decision-making across the plant. As this role supports international stakeholders, fluency in Mandarin is essential.
What you'll be doing:
- Financial Planning & Reporting
- Developing and managing annual budgets and financial forecasts.
- Conducting detailed variance analysis to compare actuals against budget and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Preparing accurate financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
- Ensuring compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards.
- Implementing, improving, and maintaining strong internal controls.
- Coordinating internal and external audits and supporting the implementation of audit actions.
- Operational & Production Support
- Analysing production and operational data to highlight inefficiencies, scrap levels, rework, and productivity issues.
- Working closely with operational managers to improve OEE, efficiency, and cost control.
- Evaluating the financial impact of supply chain and procurement decisions.
- Supporting supply chain teams with cost analysis, supplier negotiations, and logistics optimisation.
- Leading and supporting cost-reduction initiatives, including lean manufacturing improvements.
- Overseeing inventory accuracy, participating in stock counts, and analysing turnover and obsolescence.
- Assessing capital expenditure proposals, carrying out ROI calculations, and advising on investment decisions.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Acting as the financial liaison across multiple departments to ensure accurate decision-making.
- Leading regular financial performance reviews with operational and management teams.
- Supporting new product development activities, including costing, pricing strategy, and profitability analysis.
What we're looking for:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline.
- 8+ years' experience in a manufacturing finance role.
- Strong ERP experience, SAP FI/CO preferred.
- Excellent Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
- Strong communication abilities, with the capability to present financial information clearly.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
- Fluency in Mandarin (essential) due to international communication requirements.
Why apply? This is a fantastic opportunity to make a measurable impact within a major manufacturing environment. You will work as part of a motivated and international team, enjoy strong career development prospects, and play a key role in driving financial performance and operational success.
Interested in applying? Call Lewis Woollard directly on 01603 415100 or email with your CV.
Financial Controller in Reading employer: Serve Talent
Join a leading manufacturing site in Norwich as a Financial Controller, where you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving financial performance and operational excellence. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that values employee growth, offering strong career development opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact in a major production environment. With competitive salaries and a focus on innovation, this role is perfect for those looking to thrive in an international setting while utilising their financial expertise.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Reading
✨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!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial performance. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like operational efficiency and cost control. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your Mandarin! Since fluency is essential for this role, brush up on your language skills. Consider role-playing interview scenarios in Mandarin to boost your confidence and show off your communication abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Financial Controller role. Highlight your manufacturing finance experience and any relevant achievements to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role, focusing on your financial leadership and operational efficiency skills. Don’t forget to mention your fluency in Mandarin!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive financial performance and improve operational efficiency. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serve Talent
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial planning and reporting. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've developed budgets and conducted variance analysis in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Manufacturing Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience in manufacturing finance. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've improved operational efficiency or supported cost-reduction initiatives in past positions.
✨Fluency in Mandarin is Key
Since this role requires communication with international stakeholders, practice your Mandarin skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used your language abilities in a professional setting, especially in financial discussions.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position involves working closely with various departments. Think of examples where you've acted as a financial liaison and how you’ve led financial performance reviews. Show that you can communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.
