Financial Controller

AppniaSoft; Blackwood; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A SME FMCG business located in Blackwood is looking for an experienced Financial Controller to take ownership of the finance function. The successful candidate will manage costs, improve margins, and collaborate with teams for day-to-day decision-making. Key responsibilities include managing financial reporting, stock valuations, and compliance. Ideal applicants should have qualifications in finance, strong manufacturing experience, and advanced Excel skills. This role is critical in supporting strategic objectives and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Must be qualified or have equivalent experience in finance.
• Desirable experience in food manufacturing.
• Capability to report to outside shareholders.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the finance function.
• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts.
• Manage VAT returns, payroll journals, and statutory submissions.
• Conduct stock valuation and monitor working capital.
• Support pricing decisions and margin analysis.

Skills

Qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Strong experience in a manufacturing environment

Advanced Excel skills

Hands-on experience producing management accounts

Job description

Head4Talent and working exclusively for a SME FMCG business based in Blackwood. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Financial Controller to join the business at an exciting stage in their journey.

Role Overview

The successful candidate will take full ownership of the finance function, working closely with the Managing Director and operational teams to control costs, improve margins, and support day-to-day decision-making. The role combines operational finance, reporting, and transactional oversight, and is suited to someone comfortable being both strategic and in the detail.

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-Day Finance & Control

• Own the full finance function, including purchase ledger, sales ledger, payroll oversight, and bank reconciliations. Mentor and Set Kpi;s for financial team
• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, including detailed P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure timely posting and reconciliation of all transactions
• Manage VAT returns, payroll journals, and statutory submissions

Manufacturing Finance & Cost Control

• Build, maintain, and actively manage product costings (ingredients, packaging, labour, overheads)
• Monitor yields, waste, and labour efficiency, working directly with production managers to address variances
• Track and analyse manufacturing variances and explain performance in clear, practical terms
• Support pricing decisions and margin analysis for customers, contracts, and new products

Stock, Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Take ownership of stock valuation, stock counts, and reconciliation between physical stock and the system
• Monitor slow-moving and obsolete stock and ensure appropriate provisions
• Produce short and medium-term cash flow forecasts
• Actively manage working capital, including supplier payments and credit control

Operational & Commercial Support

• Work closely with production, procurement, and sales teams to improve financial awareness and discipline
• Provide weekly and monthly financial insights to the MD to support operational decisions
• Support new product development by assessing costings, margins, and financial viability
• Assist with customer and supplier negotiations where financial input is required

Compliance, Controls & Year-End

• Maintain strong but practical financial controls appropriate for an SME environment
• Prepare year-end accounts and act as the main contact for external accountants and auditors
• Ensure compliance with VAT, corporation tax, and other statutory requirements
• Support bank reporting and lender requirements as needed

Systems & Process Improvement

• Take ownership of finance systems and spreadsheets (ERP / accounting software / stock systems)
• ERP implementation: Work with the operational team to assist in the implementation of new MRP software, ensure accurate adoption of the software into the accounting environment.
• Improve reporting, processes, and controls as the business grows
• Introduce simple, effective financial processes without adding unnecessary complexity

Skills & Experience

• Qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience
• Strong experience in a manufacturing environment (food manufacturing highly desirable)
• Hands-on experience producing management accounts and managing day-to-day finance
• Solid understanding of stock, costings, and manufacturing variances
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with imperfect systems
• Experience improving or implementing finance systems and processes
• Capacity to report to outside Shareholders