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, benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a hands-on leadership role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business strategy and shape the future of finance.
- 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 & 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 and operational performance. With a strong emphasis on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and competitive benefits including a salary of circa £85,000+, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape financial processes and contribute to the company's future direction. Experience a supportive environment that values initiative and commercial insight, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and its financial strategies. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that showcase your leadership and commercial insight. Show them you’re not just a number cruncher, but a strategic thinker!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a simple way to show your appreciation and keep yourself fresh in their minds. We believe this small gesture can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
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 commercial insights you've provided in previous roles.
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 your past roles.
Showcase Your Qualifications:If you're a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA), make it clear! But if you're qualified by experience, don't shy away from sharing your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates about the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Up & Running UK
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your financial knowledge. Be prepared to discuss key metrics, financial reports, and how you've used data to influence business decisions in the past. This will show that you’re not just a number cruncher but a strategic thinker.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a finance team, be ready to share examples of how you've led and mentored others. Talk about specific situations where your leadership made a difference, whether it was improving team performance or enhancing financial processes.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the company and its industry thoroughly. Understand their growth strategies, challenges, and competitors. This will allow you to tailor your answers and demonstrate how your skills can directly contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial scenarios or challenges. Think through potential issues they might face and prepare your insights on how you would approach them. This shows your proactive mindset and problem-solving abilities.
