Financial Controller in Northampton

Location: Oundle, PE8 4HN

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Veracious Talent Partners are supporting Schoolblazer in the appointment of a Financial Controller to join their leadership team at an exciting point in the company's growth journey. Schoolblazer is one of the UK's most recognised schoolwear brands, partnering with over 230 leading schools through its innovative direct-to-parent model. Renowned for its focus on product quality, customer experience and operational excellence, the business has established itself as a market leader within the education sector.

Following its acquisition by Hancock & Gore and the recent acquisition of Trutex, Schoolblazer has entered an exciting new phase of growth. As part of a wider international group with operations spanning the UK, Australia and New Zealand, the business is continuing to invest in its people, systems and infrastructure to support future expansion. This creates an excellent opportunity for an experienced Financial Controller to play a key role in the next stage of the company's development.

Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will lead the finance function, provide commercial insight and ensure robust financial control across a fast-paced, product-led environment. This is a broad and hands-on leadership role, offering exposure to both strategic decision-making and day-to-day financial operations.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading the day-to-day finance function, overseeing Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll and transactional finance activities
• Producing accurate monthly management accounts, financial reporting packs and performance analysis
• Taking ownership of the annual audit process and acting as the primary contact for external auditors
• Preparing budgets, forecasts and cash flow projections to support business planning and decision-making
• Managing VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax and wider statutory compliance requirements
• Overseeing stock accounting and inventory reporting, ensuring accurate valuation and robust financial controls
• Supporting the accounting and reporting of foreign currency transactions and associated financial impacts
• Developing and enhancing financial controls, reporting processes and operational efficiencies
• Providing meaningful commercial insight to support decision-making across the wider business
• Building strong relationships with banks, auditors, insurers and external advisors
• Leading, mentoring and developing a small finance team
• Supporting strategic initiatives, investment decisions and ongoing business growth

What we're looking for:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Previous experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or similar senior finance leader
• Strong financial reporting and audit experience, including ownership of year-end processes and statutory accounts
• Experience operating within a business with operational complexity, ideally within retail, FMCG, manufacturing, wholesale or distribution environments
• Strong understanding of stock accounting, inventory controls and stock valuation methodologies
• Exposure to foreign currency transactions and international supplier relationships
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to analyse large datasets and produce meaningful business insight
• Strong systems capability and experience working with ERP or integrated finance systems
• Commercially minded with the confidence to influence and challenge stakeholders across the organisation
• Comfortable balancing hands-on financial control responsibilities with strategic business partnering

What's on offer:

• Competitive salary
• Bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Death in service benefit

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong and commercially aware finance professional looking to join a growing business where they can genuinely influence decision-making and contribute to the next stage of the company's development. Apply now or contact Ayrton at Veracious Talent Partners for further information.