At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, drive improvements, and shape future performance in a dynamic environment.
- Company: A growing organisation with European operations, focused on transformation and innovation.
- Benefits: Autonomy in your role, exposure to senior leadership, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a resilient team where your contributions will be valued and visible.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the business during a critical period of change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Financial Controller, ideally in manufacturing or similar sectors.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
About the Role
We are looking for a hands-on, commercially focused Financial Controller to take ownership of the finance function within a c.£20m turnover organisation based in Swindon with European operations in Italy and Germany.
This is a high-impact role during a period of structural change and business transformation, offering the opportunity to improve financial control, strengthen reporting, and help shape future performance.
You will act as the No.1 in finance, combining strategic input with hands-on delivery.
The successful candidate will be comfortable working in an evolving environment, leading from the front, and driving tangible improvements across systems, processes, controls, and commercial insight.
This is not a maintenance role. We need someone who is proactive, resilient, delivery-focused, and willing to get into the detail to deliver meaningful change.
Key Responsibilities
- Take full ownership of day-to-day finance operations, ensuring robust financial control and accurate reporting.
- Lead the finance function through structural change and business transformation.
- Drive improvements and reduce complexity across finance processes, audit, controls, reporting quality, and use of the current SAP ERP system.
- Play a key role in developing and embedding the new Dynamics 365 ERP system to improve efficiency, data integrity, and business visibility.
- Deliver hands-on monthly reporting, budgeting, and forecasting cycles.
- Provide clear, actionable financial insight to support commercial decision-making around product costing and pricing.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve working capital, cost control, and performance visibility.
- Manage inter-company transfers and purchases across international entities, ensuring compliance and efficient processes.
- Manage external relationships including auditors, banks, and advisors during a period of transition.
- Input into procurement to drive cost improvement activities as well as controls and process automation.
- Manage and develop accounting team in UK and Germany
About you
Experience
- Proven Financial Controller experience within an SME or mid-sized business, ideally within manufacturing or a similar environment.
- Track record of operating successfully in change, turnaround, or transformation settings.
- Experience improving finance processes, controls, and systems; SAP and/or Dynamics 365 experience would be advantageous.
- Experience operating in a multinational environment and managing related transaction complexities and compliance requirements.
- Exposure to reporting into US based corporate head office and ensuring corporate compliance and controls.
- Experience of German and Italian accounting requirements is desirable.
- Comfortable owning both hands-on finance delivery and strategic input.
- Experience of supporting and driving pricing analysis and strategy.
- Experience of managing and developing a finance team.
Skills and Qualifications
- Fully qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to turn financial data into practical business actions.
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, evolving environments.
- Confidence delivering results with limited infrastructure or support.
- Mindset
- Hands-on and delivery-focused, with the willingness to get into the detail when required.
- Resilient, adaptable, and proactive in solving problems.
- Comfortable challenging stakeholders constructively and driving change.
- High ownership mentality, able to operate as a true finance lead.
Why join us?
- Play a key role in shaping the future of the business.
- Take on a high-impact finance leadership role during a critical period of change.
- Enjoy autonomy to improve systems, processes, controls, and performance visibility.
- Gain direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.
- Join an organisation where your work will have a visible and meaningful impact.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Financial Controller in Swindon employer: Wilson Tool International
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation in Swindon, where as a Financial Controller, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative financial initiatives that directly impact the company's future. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will enjoy autonomy in your role, collaborate closely with senior leadership, and be part of a culture that values proactive problem-solving and meaningful contributions. This is an excellent employer for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding environment that fosters professional development and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Swindon
✨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 Wilson Tool International. 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 Financial Controller in Swindon
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 Wilson Tool International.
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 Wilson Tool International'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 Wilson Tool International
✨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 Wilson Tool International.
✨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 Wilson Tool International 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 Wilson Tool International 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.