At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and reporting while driving performance and strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, flexible working, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with guaranteed interviews for candidates meeting essential criteria.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a leadership role focused on sustainability and employee well-being.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong experience in financial control and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock! Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we are committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development.
About Us: We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.
The Role: We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a Financial Controller to join our team at our Chesterfield site. As Financial Controller, you will lead the site Finance function, ensuring robust financial control, accurate reporting, and full compliance with Group and statutory requirements. Reporting to the General Manager (with a dotted line to the UK CFO), you will play a key role as part of the Site Senior Management Team. This is a highly visible leadership role where you will provide financial insight, drive performance, and support strategic decision-making to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
- Financial Control, Reporting & Compliance: Ensure integrity, accuracy and timeliness of all financial reporting in line with statutory and Group requirements. Own the monthly close process, delivering high-quality reporting and insightful variance analysis. Maintain a robust control environment, ensuring audit readiness and regulatory compliance. Ensure the integrity of financial systems and processes, leveraging data to support effective decision-making. Manage working capital, cash flow and cost control across the site.
- Planning & Performance: Develop robust budgets and forecasts that support both operational and strategic decision-making. Provide financial insight and analysis to improve profitability and drive business performance. Track and evaluate capital expenditure and investment decisions.
- Leadership & Team Development: Lead, coach and develop the Finance team to deliver high performance and continuous improvement. Set clear objectives, manage performance, and build capability across the team. Champion a culture of accountability, collaboration and efficiency.
- Business Partnering & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a trusted finance partner across the plant, working closely with operational teams. Communicate financial information clearly and influence a wide range of stakeholders. Be highly visible across the site, actively engaging with teams and contributing to key business decisions. Support the Senior Leadership Team with insight on cost, profitability, and operational performance.
- Governance & Continuous Improvement: Ensure strong compliance with Group policies, internal controls and audit standards. Make timely, well-informed decisions aligned to business objectives and Group frameworks. Lead and support initiatives to improve systems, reporting and financial processes. Demonstrate behaviours aligned with senior leadership expectations and company values.
Essential: Fully qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ICAEW/CIPFA or equivalent). Strong experience in financial control, reporting, and audit within a complex environment. Proven track record of leading and developing teams. Experience delivering budgets, forecasts, and monthly close processes. Strong analytical, communication, and organisational skills.
Desirable: Manufacturing or multi-site experience. Knowledge of ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Navision) and BI tools. Experience with SOX or shared service environments.
What We Offer: Competitive salary, bonus, company car or allowance & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme. Ongoing training and development opportunities. 24/7 confidential support for you and your family. Flexible working options and family-friendly policies. Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer).
We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job. We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.
Financial Controller - Operations. Job in Barlow LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
At Smurfit Westrock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development. Our Chesterfield site offers a dynamic work environment where you can thrive as a Financial Controller, with access to ongoing training, flexible working options, and a culture that champions diversity and inclusion. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive benefits and opportunities for growth within a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller - Operations. Job in Barlow LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in similar roles or companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Smurfit Westrock is all about sustainability and employee growth, so be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop teams. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven performance in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the team at Smurfit Westrock.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller - Operations. Job in Barlow LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Financial Controller role. Highlight your financial control, reporting, and team leadership experience to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our values at Smurfit Westrock. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve improved financial processes or led teams to success. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role, such as cash flow management and variance analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've developed and motivated teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference, whether through coaching or driving a culture of accountability.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Smurfit Westrock's operations and sustainability initiatives. Being able to connect your financial expertise to their business goals will show that you're not just a number cruncher but a strategic partner who understands the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare for scenarios related to financial compliance, budget management, and stakeholder engagement. Think about how you would approach these situations and be ready to articulate your thought process.
