Financial Controller

Hamilton Jones Consulting; Chester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton Jones Consulting is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead the finance function in a near-Chester, PE-backed manufacturing business. The role covers multi-company consolidation, statutory reporting, and strategic financial leadership across a growing operation.

Expect hands-on accountability with process improvement, budgeting, forecasting and close involvement with senior management on growth initiatives and potential acquisitions.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (CIMA/ACA/ACCA) required.
• Experience in manufacturing or project-based environments preferred.
• Strong management accounting and forecasting experience.

Responsibilities

• Monthly management accounts and multi-company consolidation.
• P&L, balance sheet and cash flow reporting.
• Forecasting and rolling 13-week cash flows.
• Board packs and weekly management information.
• Balance sheet reconciliations, accruals and prepayments.
• WIP, order reporting and manufacturing/project accounting.
• VAT compliance and problem solving.
• Audit preparation and management.
• Financial and commercial analysis.
• Improving month-end, systems, processes and controls.

Skills

Management accounting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Commercial acumen

Education

CIMA/ACA/ACCA qualified accountant

Tools

Excel

VAT knowledge

Financial controls

Job description

Financial Controller

Near Chester Manufacturing Private Equity Backed

An excellent opportunity for an ambitious Financial Controller to join an established, market-leading manufacturing business at an exciting stage of its development.

Financially strong and private equity backed, the business has significant growth ambitions, including international expansion and potential acquisitions. Alongside this, there is a focus on professionalising systems, processes, controls and reporting to ensure the right infrastructure is in place for future growth.

The company has an excellent reputation, strong customer and supplier relationships, high levels of repeat business and a loyal workforce with exceptionally low staff turnover.

This is a broad, hands-on Financial Controller role offering the opportunity to take ownership of the finance function while becoming increasingly involved in the wider running and development of the business.

The Role

You will take responsibility for:

• Monthly management accounts and multi-company consolidation


• P&L, balance sheet and cash flow reporting


• Forecasting and rolling 13-week cash flows


• Board packs and weekly management information


• Balance sheet reconciliations, accruals and prepayments


• WIP, order reporting and manufacturing/project accounting


• VAT compliance and problem solving


• Audit preparation and management


• Financial and commercial analysis


• Improving month-end, systems, processes and controls

This is also a hands-on role. The transactional environment is relatively low volume, but you will be comfortable rolling your sleeves up across purchase and sales ledger, payment runs, credit control, bank reconciliations and payroll when required.

Beyond the Numbers

A key attraction of the opportunity is the breadth of exposure available. You will work closely with senior management and become involved in:

• Commercial and operational projects


• Budgeting, forecasting and business planning


• Systems and process improvement


• Potential acquisitions and due diligence


• HR oversight, policies and employment contracts


• Commercial contracts, governance and compliance


• Supporting the infrastructure required for UK and international growth

About You

You must be a CIMA, ACA or ACCA qualified accountant.

We are looking for a genuine self-starter and natural problem solver who combines strong financial fundamentals with commercial curiosity.

You will ideally have strong management accounting and forecasting experience, be confident across P&L, balance sheet and cash flow, and have good Excel, VAT and financial control knowledge.

You will be equally comfortable getting into the detail and looking at the bigger picture, with an appetite to learn and become increasingly involved in the wider business.

Manufacturing, engineering or project-based experience would be advantageous. Private equity experience would be useful but is not essential.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to join a financially strong, established business with an excellent reputation and culture, while gaining the exposure that comes with an ambitious private equity-backed growth journey.

You will work with a highly supportive manager who genuinely enjoys coaching and developing people, with real scope to broaden your experience, take on greater responsibility and progress as the business grows.