At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, drive transformation, and provide strategic financial insights.
- Company: Dynamic construction sector lease and hire business with growth potential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and long-term career progression.
- Other info: Opportunity to modernise finance functions and work in an entrepreneurial setting.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy in a fast-paced environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Financial Controller with strong leadership skills.
Location: Knaresborough
Sector: Construction Plant / Equipment Hire & Leasing
ST Talent is recruiting on behalf of a growing and ambitious construction sector lease and hire business seeking an experienced and commercially focused Financial Controller to develop the finance function. This is a high-impact leadership role offering the opportunity to shape financial strategy, improve operational performance, and support long-term business growth within a fast-paced and evolving environment.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Board, the Financial Controller will take ownership of the full finance function, providing strategic financial leadership while ensuring robust controls, reporting accuracy, and commercial insight across the business. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving finance transformation, improving visibility through management information and KPI reporting, and supporting decision-making at senior leadership level.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full in-house accounting function
- Deliver accurate and timely monthly management accounts and MI reporting packs
- Provide board-level financial analysis and strategic insight
- Develop and maintain strategic financial plans and 5-year forecasts
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance monitoring
- Implement and manage rolling cashflow forecasting and working capital strategies
- Strengthen internal controls, governance, VAT compliance, and statutory reporting
- Manage multi-entity and group reporting requirements
- Lead audit processes and ensure statutory compliance obligations are met
- Drive finance systems improvements and transformation initiatives
- Develop KPI dashboards and operational reporting tools to improve business visibility
- Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, improving accountability and capability
- Support and train senior leadership teams on budgeting and financial performance management
Key Achievements Expected in the Role
The successful individual will ideally demonstrate experience in:
- Bringing finance functions in-house from external accountants to improve control and responsiveness
- Designing and implementing comprehensive monthly MI and KPI reporting packs
- Introducing robust cashflow forecasting models to improve liquidity management
- Leading formal budgeting processes across operational businesses
- Delivering finance transformation projects and process improvements
- Enhancing financial governance, controls, and reporting accuracy
About You
We are looking for a commercially minded finance leader with:
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller or senior finance professional
- Experience within construction, plant hire, equipment leasing, or related sectors
- Strong commercial acumen and strategic planning capability
- Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills
- Experience managing multi-entity reporting structures
- Strong systems and process improvement experience
What’s on Offer
- Senior leadership position with genuine strategic influence
- Opportunity to shape and modernise the finance function
- Growing and entrepreneurial business environment
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Long-term career progression opportunities
Financial Controller employer: ST Talent Ltd
Join a dynamic and ambitious construction sector lease and hire business in Knaresborough, where you will have the opportunity to lead the finance function and make a significant impact on the company's growth. With a focus on employee development, a supportive work culture, and a competitive benefits package, this role offers a unique chance to shape financial strategy while enjoying long-term career progression in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like cashflow forecasting and financial governance. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly! This shows initiative and can help you stand out from the crowd. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by our recruitment team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. Mention specific points from your conversation that excited you about the role. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position!
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 experience in finance transformation and strategic planning, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in similar sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for finance and how your leadership skills can drive our finance function forward. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve cashflow forecasting or enhance reporting accuracy? We want to see how you've made a difference in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at ST Talent Ltd
✨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 used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've improved financial performance or implemented effective cashflow forecasting.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Think about times when you've led a team or mentored colleagues. Be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your ability to develop others and drive finance transformation within an organisation.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the construction and equipment leasing sectors. Research current trends and challenges these industries face. This knowledge will help you provide strategic insights during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges a Financial Controller might face, such as managing multi-entity reporting or improving internal controls. Prepare structured responses that outline your approach to tackling these issues.
