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- 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 package.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement and to influence business strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact and shape the future of finance in a growing organisation.
- 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 in Harrogate employer: Up and Running
Contact Detail:
Up and Running Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Controller/FD Designate in Harrogate
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to former colleagues. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your achievements and how you’ve positively impacted previous businesses. Use specific examples to demonstrate your financial expertise and strategic thinking.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial goals. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your leadership skills and commercial awareness.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us can give you an edge, as we often have exclusive listings and can help you stand out in the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Controller/FD Designate in Harrogate
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 strategic contributions you've made in previous positions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness: In your application, demonstrate your understanding of commercial decision-making. Share examples of how you've influenced business strategy or improved financial performance in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Up and Running
✨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 in past roles. This shows you’re not just about the numbers but also understand their strategic implications.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a finance team, be prepared to share examples of how you've led and mentored others. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference, whether it was improving team performance or enhancing financial processes.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about how you can contribute to the company's growth and strategy. Think about your previous experiences where you provided commercial insight or influenced decision-making. Be ready to discuss how you can apply that here.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s financial goals, challenges they face, and how the finance function can support broader business objectives. This shows your genuine interest and strategic mindset.