At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and develop a team while driving commercial insights.
- Company: Fast-growing FMCG manufacturing business with a strong brand heritage.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape financial systems and processes in a high-visibility role.
- Qualifications: ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualified with team management experience.
- Other info: Join a stable company with ambitious growth plans.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Essex (hybrid working available)
Sector: FMCG / Manufacturing
An established, fast-growing FMCG manufacturing business is seeking a qualified Finance Manager / Financial Controller to lead its finance function and support the next phase of growth. This is a broad, hands-on role combining strong technical accounting, commercial insight, and people leadership.
The Role
Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will take ownership of the day-to-day finance operation while partnering closely with commercial stakeholders across the business.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing a finance team of 6 through 2 direct reports (AP, AR and Financial Control)
- Ownership of month-end and year-end close, ensuring accurate balance sheets, P&L and cash flow reporting
- Development of commercial reporting to support sales and marketing performance
- Improving and embedding dispute resolution processes within US accounts receivable
- Supporting the FY27 budgeting and forecasting process
- Ensuring robust internal controls, compliance, and adherence to local and international standards
- Cash flow and liquidity management, including banking relationships
- Leading the year-end audit process
- Ownership of tax-related projects including R&D claims, capital allowances, P11Ds and settlement agreements
- Managing corporation tax instalments and supporting year-end assessments
- Reviewing and approving executive expenses
- Leading the annual group insurance renewal process
About You
You will be a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys working in a hands-on, SME environment.
Key requirements
- ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualified
- Strong team management and mentoring experience
- Background in manufacturing, FMCG or stock-based businesses (SME experience preferred)
- Proven ability to balance strong technical accounting with commercial support for sales teams
- Confident working cross-functionally and influencing senior stakeholders
Why Apply?
- Broad, end-to-end finance leadership role
- High visibility with senior leadership
- Opportunity to shape systems, processes and commercial reporting
- Stable business with strong brand heritage and growth ambitions
Interim Financial Controller employer: Stanton House
Contact Detail:
Stanton House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FMCG and manufacturing 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’s recent projects and challenges. Tailor your answers to show how your experience in finance can directly support their growth ambitions. We want you to shine as the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your qualifications, like ACCA or CIMA, make you the ideal candidate for the Interim Financial Controller role. Keep it concise but impactful – we want them to remember you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can lead and develop teams in a hands-on environment like yours.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your qualifications like ACCA, CIMA, or ACA, and any relevant experience in FMCG or manufacturing. We want to see how you can bring value to our finance team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Interim Financial Controller role. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed finance operations in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Commercial Insight: Since this role requires a blend of technical accounting and commercial insight, make sure to highlight any experiences where you've supported sales teams or improved financial processes. We’re looking for someone who can think strategically and drive growth!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stanton House
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical accounting skills. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed month-end and year-end closes in previous roles. Show them you can handle balance sheets, P&L, and cash flow reporting like a pro!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be prepared to talk about your experience in team management and mentoring. Share specific examples of how you've developed your team members and improved their performance. They want to see that you can inspire and guide others!
✨Understand the Business Landscape
FMCG and manufacturing are fast-paced sectors. Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in these industries. Be ready to discuss how your commercial insight can support sales and marketing performance, and how you've contributed to similar goals in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially around dispute resolution and compliance. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges in finance operations or improved internal controls. This will show them you're not just technically sound but also a strategic thinker.