Financial Controller

Michael Page; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Death in service x4

Defined contribution pension

EV salary sacrifice scheme

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to own the finance function, strengthen controls, and provide commercial insight to support strategic decisions. Reporting to the Group CFO, you will lead a finance team and partner with operational stakeholders to drive performance.

The role is site based on Monday to Friday in a fast-paced, product-led environment with growth plans. Strong governance, reporting, and stakeholder management are essential.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification; strong QBE considered with relevant manufacturing or stock experience.
• Minimum of 3 years' post-qualification experience.
• Experience leading and developing finance teams.
• Strong management accounting and financial reporting skills.
• ERP systems experience or cost/control improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team.
• Lead the monthly management accounts process and timely reporting.
• Deliver insightful financial analysis and commentary on performance vs budget/forecast.
• Own the balance sheet with monthly reconciliations.
• Partner with operational teams to improve cost control and margins.
• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Manage external auditors and ensure audit readiness.
• Oversee statutory reporting including VAT and corporation tax.
• Own cashflow forecasting model and identify risks/opportunities.
• Support investment appraisal and business-case analysis for decisions.
• Review and approve payment runs and treasury activities.
• Drive process efficiencies across finance and wider business.

Skills

Leadership

Management accounting

Financial reporting

Stakeholder management

Cost control

Business partnering

Balance sheet control

Attention to detail

Education

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification

Job description

Client Details

Reporting to the Group CFO, the Financial Controller will take ownership of the finance function, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and strong governance across the business. Alongside leading a capable finance team, you will work closely with operational stakeholders to drive financial understanding, improve performance, and support key business initiatives.

Our client is a well-established and highly successful business operating within a fast-paced, product-led environment. With ambitious growth plans and a strong market position, the business is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead the finance function, strengthen financial controls, and provide commercial insight to support strategic decision-making.

Description

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Lead the monthly management accounts process, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Deliver insightful financial analysis and commentary on performance against budget, forecast, and prior year results.
• Maintain full ownership of the balance sheet, ensuring reconciliations are completed and reviewed monthly.
• Partner with operational teams to improve financial awareness, cost control, and margin performance.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Manage the relationship with external auditors and ensure the business remains audit-ready throughout the year.
• Oversee all statutory reporting requirements, including VAT, corporation tax, and other regulatory submissions.
• Own and develop the company cashflow forecasting model, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Support strategic decision-making through investment appraisal and business case analysis.
• Review and approve payment runs and treasury activities.
• Drive process efficiencies and enhancements across finance and the wider business.

Profile

The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant with proven leadership experience and a strong background in financial control within a manufacturing, distribution, or stock-intensive environment.

Please note this position is site based Monday to Friday.

You will have:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• May consider a strong QBE with hands on Manufacturing, Engineering or Construction experience.
• Minimum of 3 years' post-qualified experience.
• Previous experience leading and developing finance teams.
• Strong management accounting, financial reporting, and balance sheet control experience.
• Experience within a manufacturing or stock-based business environment.
• Excellent commercial awareness and business partnering skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities, with the confidence to influence at all levels.
• Experience of ERP systems and finance process improvement initiatives.
• A proactive, hands-on approach combined with strong attention to detail.

Job Offer

• Annual Holiday allowance of 25 days (plus 8 days bank holidays)
• 4 times death in service life assurance
• Defined Contribution Pension
• Access to a salary sacrifice EV Leasing scheme

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. As an inclusive recruiter we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best.