At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team and drive financial strategy in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Soapworks, the UK's largest bar soap manufacturer with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and access to health benefits.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial performance while working in a fast-paced, innovative company.
- Qualifications: Fully ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with experience in a manufacturing environment.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Overview
Soapworks is seeking a proactive Financial Controller to lead the finance function, drive financial controls, and support strategic decision‑making as the business scales from 20 million to 70 million bars a year. The role focuses on enhancing financial processes, improving reporting accuracy, and strengthening financial performance in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Location: Glasgow / Remote (Fridays from home). Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 per annum DOE + 33 days holiday, rising with service. Full time - permanent. 37.5 hours per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise on financial strategy to support company objectives.
- Lead, motivate, and develop the finance team to ensure high performance.
- Provide financial guidance to managers and staff to help achieve targets.
- Manage cash flow, working capital, and treasury functions.
- Prepare annual budgets, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow.
- Present financial reports to the Board and participate in monthly meetings.
- Oversee group reporting, including monthly sales and P&L reports.
- Deliver financial updates at fortnightly KPI meetings.
- Produce monthly management accounts and Finance Board reports.
- Coordinate year‑end reporting and external audits.
- Manage operational performance reviews and P&L reforecasts.
- Prepare monthly 13‑week cash flow forecasts.
- Authorize and ensure accuracy of supplier payments.
- Review product costings with BDM for new business opportunities.
- Analyse profitability by customer and product type.
- Develop Capex business cases and payback analysis with senior management.
- Liaise with auditors to ensure accurate statutory reporting.
- Maintain relationships with banking partners and management accounts.
Qualifications and Experience
- Fully ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with practical experience in a fast‑paced environment, ideally manufacturing.
- Experience leading and developing a finance team.
- Experience working with BI tools.
- Knowledge of ERP systems; familiarity with MS Dynamics / Business Central or equivalent preferred.
- Excellent attention to detail and problem‑solving skills; ability to address financial discrepancies and operational inefficiencies.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non‑financial stakeholders.
Desirable Background
- Experience in food, manufacturing, or personal care sectors.
About Soapworks
Founded in 1988, Soapworks is the UK’s largest bar soap manufacturer with a global customer base. The company manufactures soap and personal care products and is committed to sustainability, quality, and social responsibility. Soapworks is part of the Daabon Group and has earned recognition including EcoVadis Gold for Sustainability.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive market salary.
- 4‑weekly pay cycle.
- 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, rising with service.
- Pension and life assurance (3x annual salary).
- Income protection benefit after 1 year in role.
- Access to HelpatHand (EAP, GP, Physio) and discounts with retailers.
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Soapworks is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our operations. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on employee development, we empower our team to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Glasgow with the flexibility of remote work, we foster a collaborative culture that values every contribution, making it a rewarding place to build your career in the manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
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✨Get Involved with University Events
Trainee roles in financial controlling often pop up through university career fairs and networking events. Join finance-related societies at your university so you can mingle with professionals and get the insider scoop on who’s hiring. Plus, these events often have companies like Talent - sponsored actively scouting for fresh talent, so get your face out there!
✨Show Off Your Excel Skills
Financial controlling is all about crunching numbers and analysis, so make sure you highlight any relevant skills, especially in Excel. Consider creating a portfolio showcasing your analytical projects or even doing a small financial analysis on a company like Talent - sponsored. This will not only impress them but also show you’re proactive!
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Connect with professionals in the financial controlling space through platforms like LinkedIn. Join finance groups and participate in discussions. Even better, search for mentors who can guide you through the maze of securing a trainee role. It’s all about building those connections!
✨Apply through Your University
Many firms, including Talent - sponsored, have partnerships with universities for trainee positions. Make sure you utilise your university's career services to get access to exclusive openings and even mock interview practice. Don’t just submit your application blindly—tap into this resource to maximise your chances of landing that trainee position.
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Credentials:In the financial controlling world, your grades matter! Highlight your academic achievements, especially in relevant subjects like finance, accounting, or economics in your CV. If you’ve completed any finance-related courses or certifications, don’t shy away from boasting about them!
Quantify Your Experience:Employers love numbers! When describing any work experience or projects on your CV, try to include metrics or results. For example, if you managed a budget or helped cut costs for a project, mention how much you saved or increased efficiency. This shows you can make an impact.
Express Your Passion in the Cover Letter:As a trainee, your eagerness to learn is crucial. Use your cover letter to convey your enthusiasm for finance. Share what intrigues you about financial controlling and how this role at Talent - sponsored can help you grow your skills and knowledge in the field.
Tailor Your Application to Talent - sponsored:When applying, it’s vital to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and goals of Talent - sponsored. Mention specific projects or initiatives of the company that resonate with you. Personalising your application shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent - sponsored
✨Master the Numbers
Finance ain't just about the glitzy spreadsheets! Brush up on your numerical skills and be prepared for some practical case questions. Expect scenarios where you’ll need to crunch some numbers to analyse financial scenarios—it’s a big part of the trainee role in financial controlling.
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with financial software and tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Excel. During the interview, you might be quizzed on your experience with these tools and how you would use them to streamline financial reporting or budgeting processes.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
As a trainee, your potential is just as important as your current skills. Be prepared to talk about your eagerness to learn and grow in the role. Sharing examples of how you've picked up new skills in the past can show that you’re adaptable and ready for the challenges ahead!
✨Ask Smart Questions
Tailor your questions to show you understand the financial controlling field—think about how the company handles its financial reporting processes or ask about the specific tools they use. This not only demonstrates your interest but gives us insight into your analytical thinking and engagement with the role at Talent - sponsored.
