At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and optimise finance operations for rapid growth.
- Company: Join Soapworks, 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 sustainable products while driving financial excellence.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA with experience in fast-paced environments.
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. At Soapworks, we create high-quality, sustainable soap products for global brands - and 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. At Soapworks, we do more than produce soap - we also manufacture a variety of personal care products, including hair and body cleansers and aromatic oils.
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
- Excellent Benefits Package Including Pension, Income Protection Benefit, Access to Help@Hand (EAP, GP and Physio Services), Death in Service 3x Annual Salary and More…
- 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: UKs Largest Bar Soap Manufacturer with a global customer base
Who’s products Featured In: British Vogue, GLAMOUR, Elle, GQ, Beauty Bay, Stylist Magazine, HELLO! And More…
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.
Our Story: Founded in 1988 by The Body Shop entrepreneur Dame Anita Roddick, Soapworks has always been driven by innovation, exceptional product quality, and a deep commitment to social and environmental responsibility. More than 35 years later, we continue to stand at the forefront of the industry, trusted by 50 of the world’s top brands as a leading supplier and partner. In 2018, we joined the Daabon Group, a global leader in sustainable and organic ingredients, further strengthening our commitment to ethical and eco‑friendly production.
As passionate advocates for sustainability, we are committed to promoting the environmental benefits of bar soaps. Our dedication has earned us numerous awards and certifications, including the prestigious EcoVadis Gold Award for Sustainability, placing us among the top 5% of companies in our sector. But we’re not stopping there - we are actively working towards net‑zero carbon emissions by 2040, ensuring that our impact on the planet is as clean as the products we create.
Beyond business, we believe in making a difference and have a well developed SOAP AID programme where we collaborate with NGOs and Charities to donate life saving soap bars to areas of need or natural disaster across the world demonstrating our commitment to global well‑being. We don’t just make soap - we create products that align with a better, more sustainable future.
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 key 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.
With ambitious growth plans ahead, we need someone who’s passionate about financial excellence, data‑driven decision making, and helping to shape a sustainable, profitable future for Soapworks.
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.
- 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:
- 4‑weekly pay cycle.
- 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays rising with service.
- 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 in Edinburgh employer: Soapworks Ltd
At Soapworks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions sustainability and innovation. As a Financial Controller, you'll not only lead a dedicated finance team but also play a pivotal role in our ambitious growth journey, supported by a comprehensive benefits package including 33 days of holiday, income protection, and access to wellness services. Join us in Glasgow or enjoy remote working Fridays, and be part of a company that values ethical practices and is committed to making a positive impact on the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Edinburgh
✨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 Soapworks Ltd. 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 Soapworks Ltd.
✨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 Soapworks Ltd. 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 Financial Controller in Edinburgh
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 Soapworks Ltd 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 Soapworks Ltd how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Soapworks Ltd
✨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 Soapworks Ltd.
✨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 Soapworks Ltd'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!
