Providing direct support to the Managing Director this role is pivotal in driving success factors to enable company growth and ensuring the business is in line with strategic vision. The Financial Controller is expected to uphold the high standards, values and culture of the business as well as being an active leader to staff. The role includes the management of IT along with the opportunity to select the right managed service provider and enable the business to maximise its productivity through technology.
Key responsibilities
- Manage all month-end and year-end close processes to ensure accurate, timely reporting.
- Own the preparation of full management accounts, including balance sheet reconciliations.
- Maintain absolute integrity of the general ledger and internal financial control framework.
- Monitor, manage, and optimize company daily cash flow and working capital.
Planning, Forecasting & Analysis
- Lead the annual budgeting process and coordinate rolling financial forecasts.
- Deliver monthly variance analysis to identify and explain performance gaps.
- Develop operational KPIs and dashboards to support business decision-making.
Compliance & Stakeholder Management
- Oversee statutory compliance, including VAT returns, corporation tax filings, and payroll.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, HMRC, and banking partners.
- Ensure full alignment with UK GAAP accounting standards and local regulatory frameworks.
- Manage, mentor, and develop a small, dedicated internal finance team.
- Drive continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and cloud software workflows.
- Managing the third-party IT provider and ensuring the third party helps the business to use the best technology available.
Skills and Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar role preferably in a SME manufacturing environment.
- Professionally qualified (ACA, CIMA, ACCA) and possess a strong commercial background with the flexibility to operate in a dynamic environment.
- Capable of leading a small team and being accountable as the Number 1 Finance person on site.
- Hands‑on with the ability to work across departments and communicate at a senior level.
- Highly analytical, with a strong Management Accounting and KPI reporting background.
- Results driven, high energy with an enthusiasm and ambition to make a key difference.
- Outstanding excel skills, accuracy and attention to detail.
- Knowledge of packaging industry and the sectors the business serves would be an advantage.
- Experience using Sage line 50 as well as CRM software would be desirable.
Behavioural Expertise
- Hands‑on team player with a can‑do attitude possessing initiative, drive and enthusiasm.
- Articulate, professional, engaging and enjoys work.
- Flexible, Agile, adaptable.
- Establishes and maintains open, collaborative relationships with team members, ensuring an open and honest culture is maintained.
- Recognition of importance of one team ethos to ensure all business goals are met.
Other Duties
- Adheres to all policies and procedures outlined by the company and its associated accrediting bodies.
- Performs other duties as assigned to meet business needs.
