At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting, manage cash flow, and drive process improvements.
- Company: Join St Austell Brewery, a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
- 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 - 75000 € 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.
St Austell Brewery is an Equal Opportunities employer. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We also welcome requests for flexible working.
Early applications are encouraged. We review applications on an ongoing basis and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.
Financial Controller in St Austell employer: St Austell Brewery
St Austell Brewery is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a supportive work culture and numerous benefits, including 25 days of annual leave, a company bonus scheme, and generous discounts on food, drink, and accommodation. With a strong focus on employee growth, this role as Financial Controller provides the opportunity to lead a high-performing finance team while driving continuous improvement in financial operations, all within the picturesque setting of Cornwall. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a company that prioritises integrity, collaboration, and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in St Austell
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not even be advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or led teams. This is your time to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit for the Financial Controller role.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so make sure you tailor your conversations to align with their values and needs. Research their financial operations and come prepared with ideas on how you can add value. It shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to take on the challenges of the Financial Controller position.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in St Austell
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. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical accounting knowledge and experience with systems improvement. We’re keen on candidates who can drive efficiency and quality in financial operations, so make sure this shines through in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Austell Brewery
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've improved financial processes in your previous roles. This shows you’re not just about the numbers but also about driving performance.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've developed and coached your team in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference, whether it was through mentoring or implementing new systems.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the company’s operations and how finance supports its growth. Be ready to discuss how you can provide insights that shape decision-making. This will show that you’re not just a number cruncher but a strategic partner.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around accounting standards, compliance, and financial reporting. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in your current or previous roles. This will demonstrate your technical expertise and attention to detail.
