Financial Controller

Reed; North East; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Finance are recruiting a Financial Controller for a key manufacturing client in County Durham. The role reports to the Managing Director and takes ownership of the finance function, delivering timely reporting and strategic insight to drive profitability.

You will lead the finance team, coordinate budgeting and cash flow, and partner with the senior team to enable cost efficiency and growth in a well-established manufacturing business.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance position.
• Strong manufacturing, engineering, or product-based background.
• Experience with cost accounting, stock control and manufacturing reporting.
• Excellent financial modelling, budgeting and forecasting skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day finance function.
• Produce monthly management accounts and robust analysis.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts and cash flow projections.
• Oversee VAT, tax compliance and statutory reporting.
• Provide commercial support to leadership on investments and business cases.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial and operational processes.

Skills

Advanced Excel

ERP systems experience

Leadership & team management

Financial modelling

Budgeting & forecasting

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Reed Finance are delighted to be working exclusively with a key manufacturing client in County Durham to recruit a Financial Controller.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a commercially focused finance professional to join a well-established and growing manufacturing business with a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and operational excellence.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director and working closely with the senior leadership team, the Financial Controller will take ownership of the finance function, providing accurate reporting, robust financial controls, and strategic insight to support business growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Lead and manage the day-to-day finance function.
• Produce timely and accurate monthly management accounts.
• Deliver detailed financial analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.

Manufacturing Finance

• Analyse margins, product profitability, and manufacturing variances.
• Monitor stock valuation, inventory controls, and working capital.
• Support operational teams with KPI reporting and performance analysis.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across financial and operational processes.

Financial Control & Compliance

• Maintain strong financial controls, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with statutory reporting requirements and UK accounting standards.
• Manage year-end audit processes and liaise with external auditors.
• Oversee VAT, tax compliance, and regulatory reporting obligations.

Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted adviser to the senior leadership team.
• Provide commercial support for investment decisions and business cases.
• Work closely with operational managers to improve financial awareness and accountability.
• Support strategic planning and future growth initiatives.

Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Ensure high levels of accuracy, efficiency, and accountability across the department.

Person Specification

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Previous experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance position.
• Strong background within manufacturing, engineering, or a product-based environment.
• Experience of cost accounting, stock control, and manufacturing reporting.
• Excellent financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong ERP systems experience.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.