At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and profitability in a dynamic chemical manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a leading chemical manufacturer focused on innovation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Hands-on role with a focus on continuous improvement and teamwork.
- Why this job: Be a key player in strategic projects that optimise costs and improve processes.
- Qualifications: Degree in Finance or Accounting with experience in plant or business controlling.
The predicted salary is between 54450 - 66550 £ per year.
As Plant / Business Controller, you are a key financial partner within a chemical manufacturing environment, responsible for driving financial performance, cost transparency, and profitability at plant level. You oversee management accounting, lead month-end and year-end closings, and deliver in-depth financial and cost analysis to support operational, tactical, and strategic decisions. Working closely with plant management, operations, and central finance, you contribute to budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and lead strategic improvement projects focused on efficiency, cost optimisation, and margin improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Management Accounting & Closing
- Oversee plant-level management and cost accounting (production, raw materials, energy, maintenance, overheads)
- Lead month-end and year-end closing activities, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance
- Ensure correct cost allocation, inventory valuation, work-in-progress, and margin calculation
- Analyse and explain variances versus budget, forecast, and prior periods
- Financial & Cost Analysis
- Perform detailed cost and profitability analyses (fixed/variable costs, yield, scrap, efficiency, downtime)
- Analyse production costs, energy consumption, and operational performance drivers
- Identify cost reduction and profitability improvement opportunities in collaboration with operations
- Support CAPEX evaluations, investment cases, and make-or-buy analyses
- Budgeting, Forecasting & Reporting
- Collaborate with plant management on annual budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial planning
- Prepare and review monthly management reports and KPIs (cost per unit, margins, productivity)
- Provide clear, actionable financial insights to plant and business leadership
- Business Partnering & Strategic Projects
- Act as a financial business partner to plant managers, production, engineering, and supply chain teams
- Lead or support strategic initiatives (cost optimisation, process efficiency, footprint improvements)
- Drive continuous improvement of financial processes, controls, and reporting standards
- Support standardisation and best-practice sharing across sites or business units
Profile & Skills
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or similar
- Proven experience as a Plant Controller / Business Controller in a chemical or process manufacturing environment
- Strong knowledge of management accounting, cost accounting, and industrial cost structures
- Experience leading month-end and year-end closings
- Solid experience with budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems (preferably SAP)
- Strong analytical mindset, structured, proactive, and results-driven
- Hands-on attitude to work
Plant Controller in London employer: Vivid Resourcing
Vivid Resourcing is an exceptional employer for recent graduates seeking a dynamic and rewarding career in recruitment. With a vibrant work culture that fosters ambition and competition, employees benefit from merit-based progression and the potential for high earnings through uncapped commission. Located in the heart of London, the company also offers unique incentives such as trips to Dubai and Palma, making it an attractive place for those looking to grow both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Controller in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Vivid Resourcing. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Plant Controller in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Vivid Resourcing.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Vivid Resourcing's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vivid Resourcing
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Vivid Resourcing.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Vivid Resourcing will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Vivid Resourcing employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
