Financial Controller

Cartisian Recruitment; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Cartisian Recruitment in Runcorn is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead and develop the group finance function, ensuring robust financial reporting, controls and governance.

Reporting to the Group CFO, you will manage cash flow, statutory accounts, VAT and tax, and provide strategic commercial insight to support Board decisions. There is clear scope for progression as the business grows, with opportunities to broaden responsibilities and influence the senior leadership team.

Qualifications

• Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA with strong UK GAAP knowledge.
• Proven experience leading a finance team.
• Experience delivering board-ready financial reporting.
• Strong cash flow forecasting and budgeting skills.
• Knowledge of VAT, corporation tax and payroll processes.
• Advanced Excel and finance system proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and mentor the finance team with cross-training and strong business continuity.
• Oversee the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring reporting deadlines are met.
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow).
• Oversee client account compliance and VAT, corporation tax, and PAYE requirements.
• Lead the annual audit process with external auditors and statutory accounts preparation.
• Develop and maintain management information, KPI dashboards and reporting.
• Manage rolling five-year forecast and 13-week cash flow projection.
• Oversee bank approvals for payments and maintain strong controls.
• Identify and implement finance process improvements and efficiencies.
• Provide commercial insight and financial support to the Board and leadership team.

Skills

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified

UK GAAP knowledge

Finance team leadership

Financial reporting

Cash flow forecasting

VAT and tax oversight

Excel advanced

Education

Chartered accountant qualification

Job description

Financial Controller

Location: Runcorn, Cheshire

Salary: £80,000 per annum

We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead and develop the finance function across a growing group of businesses, including new ventures.

Reporting directly to the Group CFO, this is a broad and hands-on leadership role, combining financial control and governance with commercial insight and strategic support. You will take ownership of financial reporting, cash flow management, regulatory compliance and internal controls, while providing accurate and meaningful financial information to support Board-level decision-making.

Importantly, there is genuine scope for career progression as the group continues to grow. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to broaden their responsibilities, take on greater strategic involvement and develop into a more influential role within the senior leadership team, working closely with the Group CFO and Board to help shape the future direction of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and mentor the finance team, creating a multi-skilled function with effective cross-training and strong business continuity.
• Oversee the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring reporting deadlines are consistently achieved.
• Assist with the preparation and review of monthly management accounts, ensuring accurate P&L, balance sheet and cash flow reporting.
• Oversee client account compliance, taking appropriate action where required.
• Manage VAT submissions, corporation tax payments and PAYE requirements.
• Lead the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and supporting the preparation of statutory accounts alongside the Group CFO.
• Develop and maintain management information, KPI dashboards and financial reporting to support business performance.
• Manage the group's rolling five-year financial forecast and produce a 13-week rolling cash flow forecast.
• Oversee bank approvals for outgoing payments and maintain effective financial controls.
• Manage the financial risk register and regularly test operational and financial processes to identify potential weaknesses.
• Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies across the finance function.
• Provide cover and oversight for weekly payroll, pension administration and reconciliations.
• Support the launch of new business ventures, including finance system implementation, accounting software configuration and reporting structures.
• Provide commercial insight and financial support to the Board and wider leadership team.
• You will be a qualified accountant with strong technical financial reporting knowledge and proven experience leading a finance function. Equally comfortable with strategic planning and hands-on financial management, you will have the confidence to challenge processes, improve controls and provide clear commercial advice to senior stakeholders.

Essential experience and skills

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified.
• Strong knowledge of UK GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Proven experience managing and developing a finance team.
• Experience providing financial and commercial support at Board level.
• Strong cash flow forecasting and working capital management experience.
• Good understanding of VAT, corporation tax and payroll oversight.
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence using accounting and finance systems.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• High levels of integrity, attention to detail and analytical ability.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to manage competing priorities