Financial Controller

SMarter Recruitment Services; Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing construction firm is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to manage the finance function across two sites. This pivotal role requires overseeing a skilled finance team, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and strategic financial reporting. Candidates should be ACA / CIMA / ACCA qualified with at least 5 years of experience, preferably in the construction sector. The position offers a competitive salary between £60k and £70k.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Key leadership role

Direct involvement with senior leadership

Opportunity to shape financial processes

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE including Financial Controller experience.
• Background in the construction sector preferred.
• Proven leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a finance team across two sites.
• Manage payroll operations and supplier payments.
• Oversee financial reporting and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Attention to detail

IT literacy

Communication

Education

ACA / CIMA / ACCA qualified

Tools

Sage Accounts

Sage Payroll

Eque2 Sage Construct

Job description

Overview

Financial Controller Construction Sector – Location: Stoke-on-Trent – Salary: £60,000 £70,000 – Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About the Role: Were looking for an experienced Financial Controller to take ownership of the finance function across two sites, reporting directly to the Finance Director (Managing Director interim). This is a senior role in a growing construction business where youll manage a skilled finance team, ensure robust financial controls, and provide the leadership team with accurate reporting and strategic financial insight.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of six finance staff across two sites.
• Manage all payroll operations:
  • Monthly payroll (c.40 staff) via Sage Payroll
  • Weekly payroll & timesheets (c.30 staff) via Sage Construct
  • Weekly subcontractor payroll (c.275 self-employed) via Marquee Contract Services
  • Administer defined contribution pension schemes
• Oversee purchase ledger, supplier payments, and company bank accounts.
• Manage sales applications, ledgers, receipts, retentions, and reconcile factoring facility records.
• Produce weekly cashflow forecasts, monthly P&L, and balance sheet forecasts.
• Prepare monthly management accounts with full reconciliations.
• Arrange hire purchase finance and liaise with brokers/finance providers.
• Maintain fixed asset and HP registers.
• Liaise with auditors, tax advisors, insurance brokers, banks, and IT providers.
• Ensure HMRC compliance (PAYE, CIS, NI, VAT, P11Ds, CITB levy).
• Manage Sage Accounts, Sage Payroll, and Eque2 Sage Construct systems.
• Prepare annual draft statutory accounts and maintain Companies House records.

What Were Looking For

• ACA / CIMA / ACCA qualified with at least 5 years PQE, including Financial Controller experience.
• Background in the construction sector strongly preferred.
• Excellent IT literacy and strong attention to detail.
• Proven leadership and communication skills.
• Commercially astute, proactive, and able to improve systems and processes in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary £60k - £70k.
• A key leadership role within a growing, well-established construction business.
• Direct involvement with senior leadership and influence on strategic decisions.
• Opportunity to shape and improve financial processes across the organisation.