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, and benefits with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and shape the future of finance in a growing organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business strategy and financial leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Financial Controller or similar role; qualified accountant preferred.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 102000 £ per year.
Salary: circa £85,000+ depending on experience + bonus + benefits
Location: Harrogate office based
Full-time, Permanent
Overview
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 SLT 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 but not limited to:
- 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. Job in Harrogate LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Join a dynamic and ambitious team in Harrogate as a Finance Controller/FD Designate, where your expertise will directly influence strategic growth and operational performance. We offer a supportive work culture that values initiative and continuous improvement, alongside competitive salary packages and opportunities for professional development. This role not only allows you to lead a small finance team but also empowers you to shape the future direction of our finance function, making it an exciting place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Controller/FD Designate. Job in Harrogate LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and understanding their financial goals. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in terms of strategic growth and operational performance. Show them you’re not just a number cruncher but a commercial thinker!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a finance team, highlight your leadership experience during conversations. Share examples of how you've mentored others or improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate that you’re ready to take ownership of the finance function.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our ambitious growth plans.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Controller/FD Designate. Job in Harrogate LilyLifestyle Jobs
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 and any strategic contributions you've made in previous positions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced financial strategy or improved processes in your past roles.
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness:In your application, demonstrate your understanding of commercial decision-making. Mention any relevant experiences where you provided financial insights that supported business growth.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Controller, 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 drive business decisions in the past. This shows you’re not just about the numbers but also about the strategy behind them.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a finance team, prepare examples of how you've led and mentored others. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a difference, whether it was improving team performance or enhancing financial processes.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions that assess your ability to think strategically. Prepare to discuss how you’ve contributed to business growth and decision-making in previous roles. Highlight your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and providing commercial insights.
✨Communicate Clearly with Confidence
You’ll be working closely with senior stakeholders, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points, and don’t shy away from discussing complex financial concepts in simple terms.
