Financial Controller

Manpower, Inc.; Cambourne; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower, Inc. seeks an experienced Financial Operations Controller to own financial control, reporting, tax and compliance for a global tech and manufacturing business.

This broad leadership role covers accounting, forecasting, governance and team leadership, partnering with local and global stakeholders. You will drive monthly and annual financial statements, tax compliance, and group reporting, while ensuring IFRS adherence and robust internal controls.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACCA, CIMA, ACA or ICAEW or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of financial accounting, reporting and IFRS.
• Experience in manufacturing, engineering or technology environments.
• Experience in global or multinational organisations.
• Proven background in financial controlling, forecasting and compliance.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with VAT, payroll and UK tax compliance.
• Knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP.
• Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience with inventory accounting and operational finance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements.
• Ensure timely statutory reporting and year-end disclosures.
• Manage monthly group reporting and compliance requirements.
• Support external audits and maintain relationships with auditors.
• Ensure accounting activities comply with IFRS and internal policies.
• Coordinate corporation tax reporting with external advisors.
• Oversee VAT reporting and compliance activities.
• Support tax incentive claims including R&D schemes.
• Act as contact for HMRC and external consultants.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and quarterly planning cycles.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to senior leadership.
• Prepare performance reports and commentary for Board meetings.
• Partner with operations to drive performance and informed decisions.
• Conduct balance sheet and P&L analysis.
• Oversee inventory reporting and valuation.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to improve controls and visibility.
• Support implementation and optimisation of financial processes and controls.
• Manage, mentor and develop a small finance team.
• Foster continuous improvement, accountability and high performance.
• Collaborate with UK and international finance functions.

Skills

ACCA

CIMA

ACA

ICAEW

IFRS knowledge

Financial analysis

UK tax compliance

VAT knowledge

Payroll awareness

Education

ACCA/CIMA/ACA/ICAEW or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Advanced Excel

Job description

Location: Cambridgeshire
Employment Type: Permanent

About the Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Financial Operations Controller to take ownership of the financial control, reporting, tax, and compliance activities for a highly respected global technology and manufacturing business.

This is a broad leadership role that combines financial accounting, tax compliance, business controlling, forecasting, process improvement, and team leadership. You will play a key role in supporting business performance, ensuring strong governance, and acting as a trusted finance partner to both local and global stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure accurate and timely statutory reporting and year-end disclosures.
• Manage monthly group reporting and compliance requirements.
• Support external audits and maintain strong relationships with auditors and advisors.
• Ensure all accounting activities are compliant with IFRS and internal policies.

Tax & Governance

• Coordinate corporation tax reporting with external advisors.
• Oversee VAT reporting and compliance activities.
• Support tax incentive claims, including R&D-related schemes and other available tax reliefs.
• Act as a key point of contact for HMRC, tax advisors, and external consultants.
• Support company secretarial activities and governance requirements.
• Take responsibility for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance and related processes.

Business Controlling & Performance Management

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and quarterly planning cycles.
• Deliver meaningful financial analysis and insight to senior leadership.
• Prepare performance reports and financial commentary for Board and management meetings.
• Partner with operational stakeholders to drive business performance and informed decision-making.
• Conduct detailed balance sheet and P&L analysis.

Operations & Inventory Control

• Oversee inventory reporting and valuation.
• Work closely with Supply Chain and Operations teams to improve visibility, controls, and performance.
• Support the implementation and optimisation of financial processes and controls.

Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and develop a small finance team.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and high performance.
• Collaborate with colleagues across both UK and international finance functions.

Skills & Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, ICAEW or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of financial accounting, reporting, and IFRS.
• Previous experience within a manufacturing, engineering, or technology-focused environment.
• Experience working within a global or multinational organisation.
• Proven background in financial controlling, forecasting, and compliance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with VAT, payroll, and UK tax compliance.
• Knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP.
• Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience working with inventory accounting and operational finance.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a commercially aware finance professional who combines strong technical expertise with excellent stakeholder management skills. You will be comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands-on level, able to influence senior leaders while ensuring robust financial controls remain in place.

Why Apply?

• Join a market-leading, globally recognised organisation.
• Broad and influential finance leadership role.
• Exposure to international stakeholders and group-level reporting.
• Opportunity to shape financial processes and drive continuous improvement.
• Clear scope to make a tangible impact on business performance and governance.
• Long-term career development within a global organisation.

If you are a qualified finance professional with a passion for financial control, compliance, and business partnering, we would love to hear from you.