At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and support strategic growth in a dynamic business.
- Company: Ambitious company in Harrogate with a focus on innovation and improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a hands-on leadership role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business strategy and shape the future of finance.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Financial Controller or similar role; qualified accountant preferred.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 102000 € per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Financial Controller ready to step into a broader Finance Director position within a growing and ambitious business. The successful candidate will take ownership of the entire finance function, leading a small finance team and working closely with the senior leadership team to support strategic growth, commercial decision-making and operational performance. This role would suit a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys being hands-on whilst also contributing at board level. You will have the opportunity to shape processes, improve reporting, influence business strategy and play a key role in the future direction of the organisation.
The Role
Reporting directly into the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of finance across the business. This is not a purely transactional or reporting-focused position. The role requires someone capable of operating both strategically and operationally - comfortable leading the day-to-day finance function whilst also providing commercial insight and financial leadership. You will manage a small finance team, currently including a Finance Assistant, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and efficient financial operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading and managing the full finance function
- Producing monthly management accounts and board reporting packs
- Providing financial analysis, forecasting and commercial insight to support strategic decisions
- Managing budgeting, cash flow forecasting and financial planning
- Overseeing year-end processes and liaising with external accountants/auditors
- Developing and improving financial controls, systems and reporting processes
- Supporting operational departments with financial performance and cost control
- Managing payroll, VAT returns and statutory compliance
- Leading and mentoring the finance team
- Supporting senior leadership with business growth plans, investment decisions and commercial opportunities
- Delivering accurate KPI reporting and performance analysis
- Identifying efficiencies and opportunities for continuous improvement across finance operations
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience operating at Financial Controller level or similar senior finance position
- Qualified accountant preferred (ACA / ACCA / CIMA), although strong qualified-by-experience candidates may also be considered
- Experience managing a finance function within an SME or growing business environment
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to influence decision-making
- Comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on
- Experience leading or mentoring finance staff
- Strong financial reporting, forecasting and budgeting experience
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
- Confident communicator able to work closely with senior stakeholders
- Proactive, solutions-focused and commercially driven mindset
Why Join?
This is a genuine opportunity to step into a broader leadership role where you can make a visible impact across the business. You will join an organisation that values initiative, commercial thinking and continuous improvement, with the opportunity to help shape the future finance function and contribute directly to wider business success.
Finance Controller/FD Designate employer: TipTopJob
Join a dynamic and ambitious company in Harrogate as a Finance Controller/FD Designate, where you will have the chance to lead a small finance team and directly influence strategic growth and operational performance. With a strong emphasis on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to shape financial processes, this role offers a rewarding environment for those looking to make a significant impact in their career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Controller/FD Designate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know about opportunities at companies you're interested in. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial strategies. Show them you understand their business model and how you can contribute to their growth. Tailor your answers to highlight your experience in managing finance functions and leading teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in potential roles and share how your skills align with their needs. You never know when a position might open up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining our team and contributing to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Controller/FD Designate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Finance Controller role. Highlight your leadership experience, financial reporting skills, and any hands-on roles you've had in finance functions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making or improved financial processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness:In your application, demonstrate your understanding of commercial finance. Discuss how you've contributed to strategic growth or operational performance in past positions to show us you can think beyond numbers.
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 during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Controller/FD Designate, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to influence business decisions in the past. This shows you’re not just about the numbers but also about strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a finance team, be prepared to share examples of how you've led or mentored others. Discuss specific situations where your leadership made a difference, whether it was improving team performance or enhancing financial processes.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the company’s industry and competitors. Be ready to discuss how your financial insights can support their strategic growth. This will show that you’re not only focused on finance but also understand the broader business context.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial challenges or decisions. Think through potential scenarios related to budgeting, forecasting, or compliance, and prepare your thought process on how you would tackle these issues effectively.
