Financial Controller

Universal Business Team; Sandbach; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension

On-site parking

Job summary

Universal Business Team is seeking a commercially minded Financial Controller to lead the finance function in a growing SME. You will partner with the MD and senior leadership, shaping strategy and overseeing the finance team.

The role focuses on balance sheet integrity, management reporting, and cash flow planning, with a clear path toward Finance Director as the business scales. Competitive salary, bonus and benefits accompany the role.

Qualifications

• Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA with proven senior finance leadership experience.
• Experience as Financial Controller or senior finance leader in a growing SME.
• Strong ability to manage both strategic and hands‑on finance tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small finance team and drive continuous improvement.
• Produce monthly management accounts and meaningful financial reporting.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management with robust controls.
• Oversee year‑end accounts and relationship with external accountants/auditors.
• Develop KPI reporting and provide commercial analysis to senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate on growth projects, investments and ERP development.

Skills

Finance leadership

Management accounting

Budgets & forecasting

Cash flow management

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification

Job description

Job Title: Financial Controller

Location: Sandbach, Cheshire
Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 DOE + Bonus + Benefits

Are you a commercially minded Financial Controller who enjoys balancing strategic influence with hands‑on leadership? Do you want the opportunity to shape a finance function, support ambitious growth plans, and progress towards a future Finance Director position?

If this sounds like you, a leading UK specialist business is looking for a Financial Controller to become the most senior finance professional within the organisation and play a key role in its next phase of growth.

About the Company

This respected and rapidly growing SME has expanded significantly over recent years and has ambitious plans to more than double its turnover by 2030. Working with major corporate clients across the UK, the business has built an excellent reputation within its sector and is investing heavily in its people, systems, and future growth strategy.

With a collaborative, energetic culture and a leadership team committed to long‑term success, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact and help shape the future of the business.

What’s the role about?

As Financial Controller, you will take ownership of the finance function whilst acting as a trusted advisor to the Managing Director and senior leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small finance team, creating structure, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Produce monthly management accounts and deliver meaningful financial reporting.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management processes & reporting, delivering accurate management accounts.
• Maintain robust financial controls, governance, and compliance.
• Prepare year‑end accounts and manage relationships with external accountants and auditors.
• Develop KPI reporting and provide actionable commercial analysis to senior stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, automate processes, and support future ERP development.
• Partner with leadership on growth projects, investment decisions, and strategic planning to drive profitable growth.
• Play a key role in the company’s evolution, including future system improvements, reporting enhancements, and growth initiatives.

About You

You will ideally:

• Be ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified.
• Have proven experience as a Financial Controller or senior finance leader within a growing SME environment (ideally within a project led or contract/service business).
• Be comfortable operating both strategically and hands‑on within the detail.
• Have strong experience in management accounts, statutory reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Demonstrate excellent commercial awareness and the confidence to challenge constructively.
• Be a proactive, action‑oriented leader who enjoys building capability within teams.
• Bring experience supporting business growth, process improvement, and financial transformation.
• Embody a humble, driven, and emotionally intelligent approach to leadership.

What’s in it for you?

• Clear progression pathway towards a Finance Director position as the business continues to grow.
• Direct exposure to strategic decision‑making alongside the Managing Director.
• Opportunity to shape the finance function and influence future business direction.
• Join a successful business with ambitious growth plans and a strong market reputation.
• Competitive salary, bonus potential, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension, and on‑site parking.

If you’re looking for a role where you can influence business performance, shape the finance function, and build a pathway towards Finance Director level, we’d love to hear from you.