At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting, manage cash flow, and drive process improvements.
- Company: Join St Austell Brewery, a dynamic and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, company car, bonuses, and discounts on food and accommodation.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed term maternity contract with flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are looking for a highly capable and commercially minded Financial Controller to join our team on a fixed term maternity contract and play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and performance of our financial operations. This is a senior leadership role within Finance, responsible for delivering robust financial control, high-quality reporting, and driving continuous improvement across processes, systems, and teams. You’ll partner closely with the CFO and wider business to provide insights that shape decision‑making and support growth.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead the delivery of accurate, timely financial and statutory reporting
- Oversee the month‑end close process and consolidated reporting to stakeholders and lenders
- Ensure a strong and effective financial control environment, aligned to accounting standards and internal policies
- Take ownership of cash flow, treasury, and liquidity management, including rolling forecasts
- Report on working capital performance (receivables, payables and inventory)
- Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and tax requirements
- Lead core finance operations including accounts payable, receivable, and credit control
- Act as the finance lead on systems and process improvement, driving scalable and efficient operations
- Support strategic decision‑making by providing financial insights and technical expertise
- Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing finance team
What success looks like:
- Financial reporting is delivered accurately and on time
- Month‑end close completed within agreed timelines
- Strong audit outcomes with minimal findings
- Cash flow and working capital are effectively managed and optimised
- Systems and processes are continually enhanced to improve efficiency and quality of data
- Finance is seen as a trusted, value‑adding partner to the business
What we’re looking for:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Significant post‑qualification experience
- Proven experience operating in a Financial Controller or senior finance leadership role
- Experience in a multi‑channel or complex business environment
- Strong technical accounting knowledge with a track record of improving financial processes and controls
- Experience leading and developing finance team
- Strong systems and process improvement mindset
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
What We Offer in Return:
- 25 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
- Company car or cash allowance
- Company bonus scheme
- 30% discount on food & drink in our managed pubs and Visitor Centre shop
- 50% discount on accommodation across the managed estate
- Westfield Health cash plan – claim back on dental, eye care, physio and more
- Westfield Rewards – retail and lifestyle discounts
This is a 12 months fixed term maternity contract. Early applications are encouraged. We review applications on an ongoing basis and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.
Financial Controller employer: St Austell Brewery
St Austell Brewery is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values employee growth and development. As a Financial Controller, you will benefit from a competitive package including 25 days of annual leave, a company car or cash allowance, and substantial discounts on food, drink, and accommodation. Located in a vibrant area, the company fosters a collaborative environment where finance professionals can thrive and make a meaningful impact on the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and its financial operations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around financial reporting and process improvement. Show them you’re not just a number cruncher but a strategic partner!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role and remind them of your key strengths. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and professional.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing that Financial Controller role. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative and show genuine interest in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in financial reporting and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or led teams in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical accounting knowledge and experience with systems improvement. We’re keen on seeing how you can drive efficiency and quality in our financial operations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you into our system quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Austell Brewery
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and analysis. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've improved processes in previous roles. Show them you can lead the delivery of accurate and timely reports.
✨Master the Month-End Close
Be prepared to talk about your experience with month-end close processes. Highlight any strategies you've implemented to ensure timely completion and accuracy. This is crucial for the role, so having specific examples will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be ready to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've coached and developed team members, and how you’ve fostered a high-performing environment. They want to see that you can inspire and manage a team effectively.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills are essential. Prepare to discuss how you've partnered with other departments or senior leaders to provide financial insights. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a way that's easy to understand for non-financial stakeholders.
