Financial Controller

HW Finance; Grays; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

HW Finance in Grays is seeking a Finance Controller / Finance Business Partner to join a growing business. This hands-on role combines financial control, commercial analysis, and process improvement to drive profitability and robust financial planning.

You will own day-to-day finance operations, provide insights to support strategic decisions, and lead the annual audit while partnering with operations and commercial teams. ACA/ACCA/CIMA and experience in SME manufacturing sectors are preferred.

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Experience as Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Management Accountant, or Finance Business Partner.
• Experience managing sales ledger, purchase ledger, cash flow, payroll, and credit control.
• Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information effectively to non-finance stakeholders.
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with finance systems.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience within manufacturing, engineering, construction, vehicle, or crane-related industries.
• Experience within an SME environment.
• Knowledge of Sage 50 Accounts, Sage HR/Payroll, or Morepay.
• Experience with stock accounting and inventory management.
• Previous involvement in business transformation, acquisitions, or systems improvements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet reconciliations, KPI reporting, and financial commentary.
• Own the purchase ledger and sales ledger functions.
• Manage cash flow, credit control, and banking activities.
• Process monthly payroll and statutory submissions.
• Partner with operational and commercial teams to provide financial analysis and business insight.
• Deliver costing, profitability, and performance reporting to support decision-making.
• Lead the annual audit process and support customer and supplier audit requirements.
• Review and improve systems, processes, and financial controls.
• Support project and contract performance monitoring across the business.
• Act as the on-site contact for HR administration while liaising with the central HR team.

Skills

Strong commercial acumen

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel skills

Communication with non-finance

Independent working/multi-priority

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Tools

Sage 50 Accounts

Sage HR/Payroll

Morepay

Job description

Finance Controller / Finance Business Partner

Post Code: RM20 3XD

Are you a commercially minded finance professional looking for the opportunity to make a real impact within a growing business?

A leading provider of lorry loader and crane solutions, is seeking an experienced Finance Controller / Finance Business Partner to join the business and work directly with the General Manager. Following a recent acquisition and as part of a growing group, this is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the finance function while helping shape the future direction of the business.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on role that combines financial control, business partnering, commercial analysis, and process improvement. You will be responsible for the day-to-day finance operation whilst providing insight and challenge to support strategic decision-making and drive profitability across the business.

You will play a key role in developing robust financial controls, improving systems and processes, and delivering high-quality management information to support continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet reconciliations, KPI reporting, and financial commentary.
• Own the purchase ledger and sales ledger functions.
• Manage cash flow, credit control, and banking activities.
• Process monthly payroll and statutory submissions.
• Partner with operational and commercial teams to provide financial analysis and business insight.
• Deliver costing, profitability, and performance reporting to support decision-making.
• Lead the annual audit process and support customer and supplier audit requirements.
• Review and improve systems, processes, and financial controls.
• Support project and contract performance monitoring across the business.
• Act as the on-site contact for HR administration while liaising with the central HR team.

About You

We are looking for an ambitious and proactive finance professional who enjoys working closely with the wider business and influencing outcomes.

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Previous experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Management Accountant, or Finance Business Partner.
• Experience managing sales ledger, purchase ledger, cash flow, payroll, and credit control.
• Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information effectively to non-finance stakeholders.
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with finance systems.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience within manufacturing, engineering, construction, vehicle, or crane-related industries.
• Experience within an SME environment.
• Knowledge of Sage 50 Accounts, Sage HR/Payroll, or Morepay.
• Experience with stock accounting and inventory management.
• Previous involvement in business transformation, acquisitions, or systems improvements.

Why Join

• Join a respected and established business with a strong market reputation.
• Be part of an exciting period of growth and development.
• Work closely with senior leadership and influence key business decisions.
• Enjoy a varied role with both strategic and operational responsibilities.
• Opportunity to drive meaningful improvements and create lasting impact.