At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and provide strategic financial insights for decision-making.
- Company: Join a dynamic construction company with a strong leadership team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a finance team and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy and drive sustainable growth.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in the construction industry.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
As a Senior Leadership Team member, the Financial Controller leads the finance function, providing practical insight to support strong decision‑making, profitable delivery and sustainable growth. The role combines hands‑on leadership with strategic oversight and robust financial control across day‑to‑day construction operations.
About the Role
Leadership Responsibilities
- Be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Support and challenge the Managing Director and SLT with honest, commercially‑focused financial advice
- Promote strong financial discipline, accountability, and good decision‑making across the business
- Lead by example and set clear standards within the finance function
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the financial strategy in line with business objectives
- Ensure strong financial controls, governance, and compliance
- Oversee statutory obligations including tax, VAT, CIS, and payroll
- Manage relationships with external advisers, banks, and insurers
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and longer‑term financial planning
- Provide clear, practical reporting with meaningful commentary
- Produce monthly and annual management accounts
- Use financial data to support better commercial and operational decisions
Cash Flow & Risk
- Manage cash flow, working capital, and banking relationships
- Monitor financial risks and ensure appropriate controls are in place
- Research and advise on grants, levies, and funding, including CITB obligations
Payroll, Systems & Oversight
- Strategic oversight of payroll (weekly and monthly)
- Ensure payroll, benefits, CIS, and P11Ds are accurate and compliant
- Own finance systems (including Sage) and oversee the IT provider
- Manage company insurance arrangements
- Lead, develop, and support the finance team
- Create a culture of ownership, accuracy, and continuous improvement
- Build strong working relationships across the business
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
- Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA)
- CIPP or equivalent payroll qualification
- Proven experience working within the construction industry
- Strong, hands‑on experience of CIS and subcontractor compliance
- Solid understanding of construction cash flow, project costs, and margins
- Experience producing management accounts and financial insight for senior leaders
- Confident operating as part of a Senior Leadership Team
- Strong systems capability, including Sage and Microsoft packages
- Able to work independently and take full ownership of the finance function
Financial Controller in Carlisle employer: Story Decorating Group Ltd
As a leading player in the construction industry, our company offers an exceptional work environment for the Financial Controller role, characterised by a culture of collaboration and accountability. Employees benefit from strong professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a commitment to sustainable growth, all while being part of a dynamic Senior Leadership Team that values strategic insight and hands-on leadership. Located in a thriving area, we provide a unique chance to influence financial strategy and drive meaningful change within the organisation.
Contact Details:
Story Decorating Group Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Carlisle
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Story Decorating Group Ltd. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Story Decorating Group Ltd.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Story Decorating Group Ltd. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Story Decorating Group Ltd and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Story Decorating Group Ltd how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Story Decorating Group Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Story Decorating Group Ltd.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Story Decorating Group Ltd's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
