Financial Controller

Cherry Professional - Relationship Led Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Autonomous leadership role

Stable global parent group

High visibility and direct impact on business performance

Job summary

Cherry Professional - Relationship Led Recruitment is seeking an experienced Finance Manager / Financial Controller in Manchester. This role offers full ownership of the finance function and provides direct exposure to senior leadership, impacting business performance as the company scales.

Responsibilities include leading the month-end close, managing the balance sheet, and supporting revenue and cash flow management. Essential qualifications include AAT or CIMA/ACCA/ACA, with strong technical accounting skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a hands-on SME environment.
• Confident working with and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Ideally experienced in construction, engineering, services, or project-led sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end close, delivering a fully reconciled trial balance.
• Take full ownership of the balance sheet, including accruals and fixed assets.
• Prepare and submit VAT and CIS returns.

Skills

Strong technical accounting skills

Experience in hands-on SME environment

Influencing senior stakeholders

Balance sheet control

Education

AAT Qualified or Part Qualified CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or Qualified by Experience (QBE)

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Finance Manager / Financial Controller to join a fast-growing UK SME, backed by a well-established international group.

This is a high-impact, on-site role offering full ownership of the finance function, direct exposure to senior leadership, and the chance to influence business performance as the company continues to scale.

If you’re hands‑on, commercially minded, and thrive in a dynamic, project‑driven environment, this role offers real autonomy and visibility.

The Role

Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will take responsibility for the day‑to‑day finance function, ensuring accurate reporting, strong financial controls, and alignment with group standards. You’ll also lead and develop a small finance team, while acting as the key finance contact on‑site.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the month‑end close, delivering a fully reconciled trial balance for group reporting
• Take full ownership of the balance sheet, including accruals, prepayments, and fixed assets
• Oversee revenue, billing, and receivables, supporting effective cash flow management
• Prepare and submit VAT and CIS returns
• Maintain and improve financial controls in line with group policies
• Partner with operational teams on cost control and financial performance
• Manage, coach, and develop a Finance Administrator
• Act as the local finance lead, supporting audits and group reporting requirements

About You

• AAT Qualified or Part Qualified CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or Qualified by Experience (QBE)
• Proven experience in a hands‑on SME environment
• Strong technical accounting skills, particularly balance sheet control
• Confident working with and influencing senior stakeholders
• Ideally experienced in construction, engineering, services, or project‑led sectors
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, office‑based role

Why Join?

• Autonomous leadership role with real ownership
• Backed by a stable, global parent group
• Opportunity to shape and scale the finance function
• High visibility and direct impact on business performance

Similar Roles

You may also have experience as a:

• Management Accountant, Financial Accountant, Company Accountant, Finance Business Partner, Financial Controller or Finance Manager