Financial Controller

AppniaSoft; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A PE-backed manufacturing services group is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee accounting operations and ensure financial growth. The role involves developing financial controls, managing a small team, and preparing management accounts under UK GAAP. Ideal candidates will be qualified accountants with a strong background in working capital and financial controls. You will work closely with operations and supply chain to enhance efficiency and deliver detailed financial insights. This pivotal role offers a chance to impact a rapidly expanding business.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with strong financial background.
• Experience in managing small finance teams.
• Track record of implementing standardized processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations.
• Prepare management accounts and lead audit processes.
• Develop financial policies and control procedures.

Skills

Strong Excel and financial modelling skills

Working capital improvement delivery

Strengthening financial controls

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Tools

PowerBi

Job description

Head4Talent are currently working for a PE backed manufacturing services group based in Newbury that are about to embark on rapid expansion. As part of this growth, they are seeking to hire a Financial Controller to help create stronger financial controls, deeper analytical insight and a finance organization capable of supporting future growth.

The Financial Controller will lead, develop and professionalize the finance function, establishing robust financial control, working capital discipline and data‑driven insight. This is a pivotal role in moving the business from founder‑led ways of working to a scalable, PE standard finance operation.

Duties

• Own day‑to‑day accounting operations, leading and developing three staff
• Introduce structure, policy and discipline into all accounting processes (AP/AR, bank, reconciliations, inventory accounting).
• Deliver a robust, timely month‑end close with strong balance sheet control.
• Prepare accurate management accounts and statutory accounts under UK GAAP.
• Lead the year‑end audit process and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Build and embed financial policies, authorisation frameworks and control procedures.
• Implement weekly cashflow forecasting with daily visibility of key movements.
• Strengthen credit control routines and supplier term management, including the progression of suppliers from upfront payment to payment terms.
• Partner with operations and supply chain to optimise and purchasing efficiency.
• Build the first proper FP&A capability for the business delivering detailed pricing insight and margin analysis.
• Produce monthly board reporting packs and lead forecasting, budgeting, scenario planning and KPI development.
• Provide commercial and operational decision support across the business.
• Lead (with support) finance systems/ERP improvements and automation initiatives.
• Uplift the finance team through coaching, role clarity, structure and accountability.
• Act as a trusted partner to operations, supply chain, commercial teams and the CEO.
• Build credibility with the PE investors through accuracy, transparency and insight.

Candidate Profile

Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA).
• Strong working capital background with demonstrable improvement delivery.
• Track record of strengthening financial controls and implementing standardised processes.
• Experience managing small finance teams and uplifting capability.
• Strong Excel and financial modelling skills.

Desirable

• Experience within a PE‑backed or investment‑backed business.
• Finance transformation or ERP implementation experience.
• Exposure to multi‑site or multi‑service environments.
• Experience of using/developing BI (Business Intelligence) tools e.g. PowerBi.

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