At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of financial control and reporting across two UK manufacturing sites.
- Company: Established UK manufacturing business with a focus on profitability and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, bonus potential, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Site-based role with travel; ideal for those seeking dynamic challenges in finance.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving cost efficiency and making impactful financial decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 5+ years in manufacturing finance and strong cost accounting skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
SF Recruitment are partnering with an established UK manufacturing business looking for a commercially minded finance professional to take ownership of financial control and reporting across two UK sites. Reporting into the UK Finance Director, this role is critical in driving profitability, cost efficiency, and operational excellence. You’ll work closely with Operations and Manufacturing leaders, acting as a true business partner and providing clear, actionable financial insight. Strong experience within Manufacturing, Multi-site & Cost Accounting is essential.
As the Financial Controller you will:
- Full ownership of P&L and balance sheet for two UK manufacturing sites
- Delivery of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting (UK GAAP / IFRS)
- Lead site budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis
- Control and track capital expenditure from project approval through to asset creation
- Actively manage and improve working capital (inventory, receivables, payables)
- Lead manufacturing cost accounting and performance analysis
- Analyse production variances, labour efficiency, material usage, and overhead absorption
- Build and maintain operational dashboards (productivity, hours, efficiency)
- Support cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives
- Trusted advisor to Plant Managers and Operations teams
- Support capital investment decisions, capacity planning, and efficiency projects
- Provide insight into pricing, margins, and supply chain optimisation
- Ensure strong internal controls and audit readiness
- Maintain compliance with UK statutory and tax requirements
- Drive consistency and standardisation across sites
About You:
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- 5+ years post-qualification experience in manufacturing or plant finance
- Strong background in cost accounting and inventory management
- Confident communicator, able to challenge and influence operational leaders
- Advanced Excel skills and ERP experience (JD Edwards ideal)
- Experience in multi-site environments; import/export exposure a plus
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
This is a site-based role with ad-hoc travel between two UK locations, so a full driving licence is essential.
UK Financial Controller in Burton upon Trent employer: SF Partners
Join a leading UK manufacturing business in Burton Upon Trent, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. As a Financial Controller, you will enjoy competitive remuneration, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth while playing a pivotal role in driving financial excellence across multiple sites. With a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency, this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment that champions employee development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Financial Controller in Burton upon Trent
✨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 cost accounting and operational excellence. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your achievements in financial control and reporting. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive profitability and improve efficiency. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect match for your skills. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Financial Controller in Burton upon Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in manufacturing finance and cost accounting, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in P&L ownership and financial reporting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Financial Controller role. Mention your experience with multi-site environments and how you can drive profitability and efficiency across our sites.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Financial Controller, you'll need to influence and challenge operational leaders. In your application, give us examples of how you've successfully communicated complex financial insights to non-financial stakeholders. We love a confident communicator!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key figures related to P&L, balance sheets, and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've used these numbers to drive profitability and efficiency in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Business Partner Skills
This role requires you to act as a trusted advisor to Plant Managers and Operations teams. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with non-financial stakeholders to provide actionable insights. Highlight your ability to influence decisions and drive operational excellence.
✨Master the Technical Details
Familiarise yourself with UK GAAP and IFRS standards, as well as any relevant ERP systems like JD Edwards. Be prepared to discuss your experience with cost accounting and inventory management, and how you've implemented improvements in these areas.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. Think of specific scenarios where you've successfully managed working capital or led cost reduction initiatives, and be ready to share those stories.
