At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive performance improvements in a dynamic food manufacturing business.
- Company: Successful food manufacturing company with a strong focus on financial excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment where your ideas will be valued and implemented.
- Why this job: Be a key player in decision-making and influence the company's financial success.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial management and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
We're working with a successful food manufacturing business that is looking to strengthen its senior finance capability with the appointment of a Financial Controller. This is a key position within the business, giving you a seat close to the senior leadership team and genuine ownership of the financial performance of the organisation.
You'll be responsible for ensuring the finance function operates effectively, but equally important will be your ability to turn financial information into actions that improve performance. Working closely with the Managing Director and wider leadership team, you'll have visibility across the operation and the opportunity to influence decisions around profitability, costs, cash, investment and growth.
What You'll Be Doing
- Take ownership of the end-to-end finance function and ensure strong financial control.
- Lead the production of management information that gives the business a clear view of performance.
- Drive the annual budget, forecasting and longer-term financial planning process.
- Monitor cash, working capital and financial performance, identifying areas requiring attention.
- Analyse product and customer profitability, margins and cost movements to support better commercial decisions.
- Work alongside operational teams to identify efficiencies and improve financial performance.
- Develop meaningful KPIs and reporting for the senior leadership team.
- Oversee the year-end audit, statutory accounts and wider tax and compliance requirements.
- Manage, support and develop the existing finance team.
- Continue to improve the processes, controls and systems underpinning the finance function.
What You'll Bring
- We're looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) who has developed beyond purely technical finance and enjoys understanding how a business actually operates.
- Experience at Financial Controller, Finance Manager or equivalent level.
- Strong management accounting and financial control experience.
- Solid budgeting, forecasting and cash management capability.
- Commercial awareness and the confidence to challenge senior stakeholders.
- Experience working closely with operations and non-finance teams.
- Previous experience within food, FMCG or manufacturing.
- Experience managing and developing a finance team.
- Strong analytical and systems skills.
Why Consider It?
This is a role for someone who wants to be close to the decision-making rather than sitting on the sidelines producing reports. You'll have the opportunity to build on what is already in place, improve the visibility and effectiveness of the finance function and become a trusted partner to the MD and wider leadership team. If you're a commercially minded finance professional looking for a role where your experience, judgement and ideas will genuinely be listened to, this is worth a conversation.
Financial Controller in Cambridge employer: The Collective Network
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Cambridge
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like The Collective Network. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to The Collective Network.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on The Collective Network's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Collective Network
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with The Collective Network.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at The Collective Network will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former The Collective Network employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
