Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Glasgow Full-Time 46000 - 58000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial operations and support strategic decision-making in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Join Soapworks, the UK's largest bar soap manufacturer, committed to sustainability and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy remote work options, 33 days holiday, and an excellent benefits package.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team shaping a sustainable future while driving financial excellence.
  • Qualifications: Must be CA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for growth in a company dedicated to social and environmental responsibility.

The predicted salary is between 46000 - 58000 ÂŁ per year.

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This range is provided by Soapworks Ltd. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

\”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:

Glasgow / Remote Working Fridays

£55,000 – £65,000 per annum DOE + 33 days holiday, rising with service

Plus 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…

Your Background / Skills: Fully CA/ACCA/CIMA qualified plus practical experience in a fast-paced environment ideally within a manufacturing environment. Leading and developing a finance team. Experience working with BI tools.

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 CA/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.

• 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 a fully integrated ERP system such as Microsoft Navision 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.

Sounds like a good fit? Apply here for a fast-track path to our Leadership Team

Application notice… We take your privacy seriously. As you might expect you may be contacted by email, text or telephone. Your data is processed by our talent partner RR (Recruitment Revolution) on the basis of their legitimate interests in fulfilling the recruitment process. Please refer to their Data Privacy Policy & Notice on their website for further details.

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Not Applicable

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Accounting/Auditing and Finance

  • Industries

    Personal Care Product Manufacturing

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Financial Controller employer: Soapworks Ltd

At Soapworks Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions sustainability and innovation in the personal care industry. Located in Glasgow, our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, offering employees generous benefits such as 33 days of holiday, a comprehensive pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth within a rapidly expanding company. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values ethical practices and employee well-being.
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Contact Detail:

Soapworks Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Financial Controller

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Soapworks' commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Understanding their values will not only help you align your responses during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Soapworks on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during the interview process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with financial controls and reporting in a manufacturing environment. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven improvements in these areas, as this is crucial for the Financial Controller role.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on industry trends related to personal care product manufacturing and finance. Being knowledgeable about the market can help you articulate how you can contribute to Soapworks' growth and success during your discussions.

We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller

CA/ACCA/CIMA qualification
Financial Reporting
Budget Preparation
Cash Flow Management
Team Leadership
Financial Strategy Development
BI Tools Proficiency
ERP System Knowledge (e.g., Microsoft Navision)
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Time Management
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications, particularly your CA/ACCA/CIMA credentials and relevant experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the Financial Controller role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your financial leadership skills and your passion for sustainability. Mention specific achievements that align with Soapworks' goals, such as improving financial processes or leading a finance team.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your experience with BI tools and ERP systems, as well as your ability to manage cash flow and prepare budgets. Provide examples of how you've driven financial improvements in previous roles.

Showcase Soft Skills: Don't forget to mention your strong communication and problem-solving skills. Explain how you can provide financial guidance to non-financial stakeholders and lead a team effectively, which is crucial for the Financial Controller position.

How to prepare for a job interview at Soapworks Ltd

✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise

As a Financial Controller, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of financial principles and practices. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, especially in a manufacturing context.

✨Highlight Leadership Skills

This role requires leading and developing a finance team. Share examples of how you've motivated teams in the past, resolved conflicts, and fostered a collaborative environment to achieve financial goals.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you improved financial processes or addressed discrepancies, showcasing your analytical skills and attention to detail.

✨Align with Company Values

Soapworks is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. Research their initiatives and be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs, demonstrating your passion for contributing to a socially responsible business.

Financial Controller
Soapworks Ltd
Location: Glasgow
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