Financial Controller

GEA Group; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global systems supplier in Milton Keynes is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee day-to-day finance operations and compliance. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in finance roles, including expertise in financial reporting under UK GAAP/IFRS, SAP proficiency, and team leadership. Responsibilities include managing financial processes, improving internal controls, and ensuring accurate reporting. This position offers a competitive package and the opportunity to drive impactful changes in the finance function.

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE in progressively senior finance roles.
• Experience in month-end and statutory reporting.
• Solid knowledge of UK GAAP/IFRS, revenue recognition and cash management.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes.
• Drive financial process improvements and controls.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)

Strong communication skills

Analytical and detail-oriented

Proficient in SAP (S4HANA or ECC)

Problem-solving abilities

Education

Qualified accountant

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Overview

GEA is one of the world’s largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Our portfolio includes machinery and plants as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. Guided by a strong sense of purpose, our more than 18,000 dedicated employees work to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of production processes globally.

Responsibilities / Tasks

We are looking for a hands-on, commercially minded Financial Controller to lead day-to-day finance operations, strengthen controls, and partner with the business on performance. You will own month-end, statutory reporting, Germany Group reporting and cash management, and drive continuous improvement across our SAP environment.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Lead the preparation and delivery of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in line with UK GAAP/IFRS and Group reporting standards.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and statutory requirements.
• Manage the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring deadlines are met and variances are explained.
• Oversee AP, AR, treasury, payroll interface, and balance-sheet integrity (reconciliations, provisions, fixed assets, intercompany).
• Maintain and enhance internal controls, policies, and governance.
• Optimise finance processes and reporting in SAP (preferably S/4HANA or ECC), including master data, closing routines, and BI outputs.
• Business partner with functional leaders (Sales, Ops, Supply Chain) to support pricing, margins, and investment cases.
• Coordinate tax and compliance (VAT, CIS where applicable, corporation tax with advisors).
• Prepare monthly IFRS financial statements, including IFRS 16 lease accounting and PoC (Percentage of Completion) reporting.
• Deliver internal margin analysis, KPIs, and ad hoc financial reports for Group Finance and local management.
• Manage and lead budgeting, rolling forecasts, and ensure compliance with the uniform chart of accounts.
• Oversee daily cash and bank operations, including payment processing, bank guarantees, and contract follow-ups.
• Manage vendor and account reconciliations, invoice transaction processing, and SAP bookkeeping accuracy.

Dual Reporting & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key finance business partner, providing insights and financial support to both regional and divisional leadership.
• Collaborate with Group Finance in Germany to ensure alignment with group-wide reporting and consolidation requirements.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and maintain a harmonious and productive team environment.
• Identify skill gaps and implement a structured development and upskilling plan for the team.
• Promote a positive team environment, encouraging open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.
• Act as a conflict resolver and mediator, ensuring issues within the team or across departments are addressed constructively.

Process Improvement & Controls

• Drive improvements in financial processes, systems, and reporting tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Implement and monitor robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure data integrity.

Audit and Compliance Oversight

• Lead the coordination and delivery of internal and external audits (IFRS and UK GAAP) for the legal entity, ensuring timely responses, audit readiness, and full compliance with audit requirements.
• Act as the primary point of contact for auditors and ensure all audit findings are addressed and resolved promptly.

Planning, Forecasting & Analysis

• Support the budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Provide insightful variance analysis and commentary to support decision-making at both regional and divisional levels.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and rolling cash-flow; challenge assumptions and highlight risks/opportunities. Leading the budget presentation, supporting the head of division on regular queries from Group in relation to budget process, monthly reporting, forecast numbers and gap analysis.

Communication & Collaboration

• Serve as a bridge between operational teams and finance, translating financial data into actionable business insights.
• Communicate effectively with senior stakeholders, auditors, and external advisors

Systems & Tools

• Champion the use of ERP systems and reporting tools (e.g., SAP, Power BI, SAP4 HANA) to streamline reporting and analysis.
• Ensure data quality and consistency across systems used for financial reporting.

Your Profile / Qualifications

• Qualified accountant: ACA / ACCA / CIMA (or international equivalent).
• Preferred background: Training/early career in a Big Four firm (Audit/Advisory/TS) with strong technical grounding.
• Experience: 5+ years PQE in progressively senior finance roles, including ownership of month-end and statutory reporting.
• Systems: Proven proficiency with SAP (S4HANA or ECC); strong Excel and reporting/BI skills.
• Solid knowledge of UK GAAP/IFRS, revenue recognition, inventory and cost accounting, and cash management.
• Demonstrated track record improving processes/controls and partnering with non-finance stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills; comfortable presenting to senior leadership and auditors.
• Analytical, detail-driven, and deadline focused.
• Pragmatic problem-solver who can simplify complexity.
• Proactive, curious, and continuous-improvement mindset

Did we spark your interest? Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.