At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and support strategic growth in a dynamic business.
- Company: Ambitious company offering a path to Finance Director role.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a culture that values initiative and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business strategy and financial performance.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Financial Controller or similar, with strong commercial awareness.
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 - Path to Finance Director (Growth) in Harrogate employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Join a dynamic and ambitious company in Harrogate as a Finance Controller, where you will have the unique opportunity to transition into a Finance Director role. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages initiative and commercial thinking, offering robust employee growth opportunities and a competitive salary package with bonuses. Here, your contributions will directly influence our strategic direction, making this an ideal environment for finance professionals eager to make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Controller - Path to Finance Director (Growth) in Harrogate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who are already in leadership roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your commercial awareness. Be ready to discuss how your financial insights can drive strategic decisions and support growth. Show them you’re not just about numbers but also about making an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your understanding of our company culture and values right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Controller - Path to Finance Director (Growth) in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with 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. This way, your application will be processed more efficiently, and you'll have the chance to explore more about our company culture and values.
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 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, prepare examples of how you've led or 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 Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial challenges or scenarios. Prepare by thinking through potential issues like cash flow management or budget cuts, and outline your approach to resolving them effectively.
✨Align with Company Goals
Research the company’s growth plans and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their objectives and how you can contribute to their strategic direction. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
