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- 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: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and opportunities for professional growth.
- 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.
- Other info: Site-based role with travel; full driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 will work closely with Operations and Manufacturing leaders, acting as a true business partner and providing clear, actionable financial insight.
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 Plant Financial Controller employer: SF Recruitment
Contact Detail:
SF Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Plant Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Financial Controller role. 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 those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK GAAP and IFRS. Be ready to discuss how you've driven profitability and cost efficiency in previous roles. Show them you’re not just a numbers person, but a strategic partner who can influence operational leaders.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your advanced Excel skills! Bring examples of how you've used data analysis to improve working capital or track capital expenditure. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to provide actionable financial insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We’re all about connecting talented individuals with great opportunities, so make sure your application stands out by highlighting your multi-site experience and cost accounting expertise.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Plant Financial Controller
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 financial control and reporting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the UK Plant Financial Controller role. Mention your experience with P&L ownership and how you've driven profitability in previous roles. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your advanced Excel skills and any ERP experience you have. We love seeing candidates who can manage complex data and provide actionable insights. If you’ve worked with JD Edwards, make sure to mention it!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply 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 updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Recruitment
✨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. Be ready to discuss how you've improved profitability or managed costs in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires you to be a trusted advisor to Plant Managers and Operations teams. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated financial insights to non-financial stakeholders. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms.
✨Understand the Manufacturing Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities in manufacturing finance. Be prepared to discuss your experience with cost accounting, inventory management, and how you've contributed to operational excellence in past positions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about scenarios where you've had to manage budgets, forecast variances, or improve working capital. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
