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 growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package with career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a hands-on leadership role.
- 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, 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 – FD Designate employer: Up & Running UK
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. Our supportive work culture fosters initiative and continuous improvement, offering you the opportunity to shape financial processes and contribute to the overall success of the organisation. With competitive salary packages, bonuses, and a commitment to employee development, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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. Understand their challenges and think about how you can contribute to their growth. This shows you're not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience as a Financial Controller aligns with their needs. Highlight your hands-on approach and strategic mindset, and don’t forget to mention your leadership skills in managing finance teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining us and ready to take on the exciting challenges ahead.
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 involvement in strategic decision-making.
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 business strategy or improved financial processes in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness:In your application, demonstrate your understanding of the commercial landscape. Discuss how your financial insights have driven growth or improved performance in past positions.
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 Up & Running UK
✨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. Prepare examples of how your financial insights have influenced strategic decisions.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a finance team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share specific instances where you’ve mentored staff or led a team through challenges. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop others.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company’s industry and its competitors. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth and operational performance. Showing that you understand their market will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since this role requires both strategic and operational thinking, think about how you can balance these aspects. Prepare to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and how you’ve supported senior leadership in making commercial decisions.
