Financial Controller

Reed; Harbledown; On-site; GBP 74,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed is seeking an experienced Financial Controller for an initial 2-month contract in Kent. This hands-on role oversees the day-to-day finance function, ensures robust financial controls and delivers timely insights during a busy production period.

Responsibilities include month-end close, financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, and supporting senior management. Candidates should be qualified accountants with manufacturing experience and strong cost accounting skills, able to work

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant with ACA/ACCA/CIMA or proven by-experience track record.
• Experience as Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong cost accounting and inventory control knowledge; proficient in ERP/accounting systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end finance function, including month-end close and statutory reporting.
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts with variance analysis.
• Forecast cash flow, monitor working capital and stock valuation.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and commercial decision support.
• Oversee cost control, BOMs and standard costing in a manufacturing environment.
• Manage balance sheet reconciliations and fixed assets.
• Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards and internal controls.
• Liaise with external accountants, auditors and stakeholders as required.
• Mentor junior finance staff and drive process improvements.

Skills

Strong communication

Stakeholder management

Autonomous / self-driven

Delivery-focused

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification

Qualified by experience

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Job Title: Financial Controller (Contract)

Location: Kent (New Romney)
Contract Length: 2-month fixed-term contract
Sector: Manufacturing
Start Date: Immediate / Short notice preferred
Reporting To: Finance Director / Managing Director

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join a well-established manufacturing business in Kent on an initial 2-month contract. This is a hands-on role, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day finance function, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and supporting senior management with timely financial insight during a busy operational period.

Key Responsibilities

• Full ownership of the finance function, managing month-end close and statutory reporting
• Preparation and review of monthly management accounts, including variance analysis
• Cash flow forecasting, monitoring working capital and stock valuation
• Budgeting, forecasting, and supporting commercial decision-making
• Oversight of cost control within a manufacturing environment, including BOMs and standard costing
• Management of balance sheet reconciliations and fixed assets
• Ensuring compliance with UK accounting standards and internal controls
• Liaison with external accountants, auditors, and other stakeholders as required
• Supporting and mentoring junior finance staff (where applicable)
• Identifying process improvements and efficiencies within finance operations

Skills & Experience Required

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) or Qualified-by-Experience
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager
• Strong background within manufacturing or production-based environments
• Excellent understanding of cost accounting and inventory control
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems
• Ability to work autonomously and deliver under tight deadlines
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, pragmatic, and delivery-focused
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail with a commercial mindset
• Adaptable and confident stepping into a short-term contract role