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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and partner with teams to enhance business growth.
- Company: Leading manufacturer experiencing exciting growth and investment.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career progression, competitive salary, and professional development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping financial strategy and making impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong management accounting and commercial mindset.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with the potential to grow into a senior finance leader.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are working with an industry leading manufacturer that is experiencing continued growth and investment. As part of this expansion, the business is looking to appoint a commercially focused Financial Controller, with the flexibility to consider strong Assistant Financial Controllers who are ready to step up. This role offers significant exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to play a key role in driving financial performance across the business. The position will be tailored to reflect the successful candidate's level of experience, while maintaining a clear focus on commercial value and leadership.
The Role
Reporting to senior leadership, you will take responsibility for the core finance function while acting as a trusted commercial partner to the wider business. For candidates stepping up, the role will provide structured support and development, while experienced Financial Controllers will operate with a higher level of autonomy and strategic influence.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Ownership of the monthly management accounts process, ensuring timely, accurate and insightful reporting
- Leading budgeting, forecasting and longer term planning processes
- Providing detailed variance analysis, commercial commentary and recommendations to support decision making
- Partnering closely with operations, sales and supply chain to drive performance and margin improvement
- Supporting product costing, margin analysis and manufacturing performance reporting
- Improving financial controls, processes and systems in line with a growing manufacturing environment
- Managing cash flow, working capital and balance sheet performance
- Supporting statutory accounts preparation and external audit processes
- Leading, or developing towards leading, a small finance team depending on experience
The Candidate
This role is suitable for either:
- A Financial Controller with proven experience ideally in a manufacturing environment, or
- An Assistant Financial Controller / Senior Finance Manager who is ready to take the next step into a broader, more commercial role.
You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) and bring a hands on, commercially minded approach. You will ideally offer:
- Strong management accounting, budgeting and forecasting experience
- A commercial mindset with the ability to interpret financial data and influence outcomes
- Confidence working with non-finance stakeholders
- Experience managing or supporting a small finance team, or the ambition to do so
- A proactive attitude and desire to develop within a growing organisation
This is an excellent opportunity to join a market leading manufacturer at an exciting stage of growth. For the right individual, the role offers genuine progression, increased responsibility and the chance to develop into a senior finance leader within the business. Whether you are an experienced Financial Controller or an ambitious Assistant Financial Controller ready to step up, this role offers challenge, development and long term potential.
Financial Controller / Assistant Financial Controller in Manchester employer: Woods & Wood Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Woods & Wood Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller / Assistant Financial Controller in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial performance, recent news, and how they operate. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experience align with the role of Financial Controller or Assistant Financial Controller. Highlight your commercial mindset and how you can drive financial performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller / Assistant Financial Controller in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Financial Controller role. Highlight your management accounting, budgeting, and forecasting experience to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re interested in this role and how your commercial mindset can drive financial performance. We want to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; tell us about your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve improved financial processes or influenced outcomes in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
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 from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Woods & Wood Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your management accounting, budgeting, and forecasting skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles, especially in a manufacturing context. This will show that you understand the financial intricacies of the industry.
✨Show Your Commercial Mindset
Prepare to demonstrate how you've interpreted financial data to influence business decisions. Think of instances where your insights led to improved performance or margin enhancement. This will highlight your ability to partner with non-finance stakeholders effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems related to cash flow management or variance analysis. Practise articulating your thought process clearly, as this will showcase your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Express Your Leadership Ambitions
If you're stepping up from an Assistant Financial Controller role, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you plan to manage or develop a finance team. Share your vision for fostering a collaborative environment, as this will resonate well with their focus on team dynamics.
