Enable job alerts via email!

Financial Controller

Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

Peterlee

On-site

GBP 60,000 - 80,000

Full time

Yesterday
Be an early applicant

Generate a tailored resume in minutes

Land an interview and earn more. Learn more

Start fresh or import an existing resume

Job summary

A Peterlee-based luxury retail SME is seeking a Financial Controller to lead its finance function through transformation. This role involves overseeing financial reporting, payroll, compliance, and fostering a culture of empowerment and integrity within the team. Candidates need to be ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with a minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience in a finance leadership role within an SME.

Benefits

Attractive salary and bonus package

Qualifications

  • 5+ years post-qualification experience.
  • Proven finance leadership in an SME.
  • Strong knowledge of UK GAAP and compliance.
  • Advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead financial reporting, compliance, and process improvement.
  • Oversee payroll and ensure VAT compliance.
  • Develop SOPs and enhance ERP processes.

Skills

UK GAAP
Payroll Management
Compliance
Leadership
Communication
Problem Solving
Excel

Education

ACA
ACCA
CIMA

Tools

ERP (Business Central)

Job description

Your new company
This Peterlee-based SME, who operate in the luxury retail sector, are aiming to reach £10M in revenue by the end of 2025 and are seeking a strategic and hands-on
Financial Controller to lead the finance function through a period of transformation and growth.
Your new role
You will lead financial reporting, compliance, and process improvement while supporting the CEO and wider team through a cultural shift.
Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting & Audit Oversight

  • Deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (UK GAAP)
  • Lead year-end accounts and audit processes
  • Reconcile accounts and ensure ERP (Business Central) data accuracy

Tax & Compliance

  • Manage VAT returns, PAYE, and HMRC obligations
  • Submit ONS surveys and maintain compliance documentation

Payroll Management

  • Oversee payroll for multiple teams
  • Resolve past payroll issues and implement pre-approval processes

Process Improvement

  • Develop SOPs for all financial processes
  • Improve ERP data validation and implement weekly financial reviews

Budgeting & Cost Management

  • Support cost-saving initiatives (e.g., 5% logistics reduction)
  • Prepare forecasts and monitor margins on key product bundles

Team Leadership

  • Foster a culture of respect, integrity, and empowerment

Stakeholder Communication

  • Provide insights to the CEO and ECF Group
  • Liaise with auditors, HMRC, and other external stakeholders


What you'll need to succeed
Essential:

  • ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with 5+ years post-qualification
  • Proven experience in an SME finance leadership role
  • Strong UK GAAP, payroll, and compliance knowledge
  • ERP (preferably Business Central) and advanced Excel skills
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities

What you'll get in return
An attractive salary and bonus package is offered.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Get your free, confidential resume review.
or drag and drop a PDF, DOC, DOCX, ODT, or PAGES file up to 5MB.