Financial Controller

Reed; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed is seeking an experienced Financial Controller for a 2-month fixed-term contract in Kent. The role is hands-on, overseeing the daily finance function, delivering robust controls, accurate reporting, and timely financial insight during a busy operational period.

The successful candidate will manage month-end close, statutory reporting, and provide financial insight to senior management, with experience in manufacturing and cost accounting. Immediate start is preferred.

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant with ACA/ACCA/CIMA or QBE
• Proven experience as Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager
• Strong cost accounting and inventory control in manufacturing environments
• Advanced Excel skills and ERP/accounting systems experience
• Ability to work autonomously and meet tight deadlines
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Responsibilities

• Full ownership of the finance function, month-end close and statutory reporting
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts with variance analysis
• Cash flow forecasting and working capital management
• Budgeting and forecasting to support commercial decisions
• Oversee cost control, BOMs and standard costing in manufacturing
• Manage balance sheet reconciliations and fixed assets
• Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards and internal controls
• Coordinate with external accountants and auditors
• Mentor junior finance staff where applicable
• Identify process improvements within finance operations

Skills

Qualified Accountant

Finance Leadership

Manufacturing costing

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Stakeholder management

Education

Professional accounting qualification

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Job Title: Financial Controller (Contract)

Location: Kent (New Romney)
Contract Length: 2-month fixed-term contract
Sector: Manufacturing
Start Date: Immediate / Short notice preferred
Reporting To: Finance Director / Managing Director

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join a well-established manufacturing business in Kent on an initial 2-month contract. This is a hands-on role, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day finance function, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and supporting senior management with timely financial insight during a busy operational period.

Key Responsibilities

• Full ownership of the finance function, managing month-end close and statutory reporting
• Preparation and review of monthly management accounts, including variance analysis
• Cash flow forecasting, monitoring working capital and stock valuation
• Budgeting, forecasting, and supporting commercial decision-making
• Oversight of cost control within a manufacturing environment, including BOMs and standard costing
• Management of balance sheet reconciliations and fixed assets
• Ensuring compliance with UK accounting standards and internal controls
• Liaison with external accountants, auditors, and other stakeholders as required
• Supporting and mentoring junior finance staff (where applicable)
• Identifying process improvements and efficiencies within finance operations

Skills & Experience Required

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) or Qualified-by-Experience
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager
• Strong background within manufacturing or production-based environments
• Excellent understanding of cost accounting and inventory control
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems
• Ability to work autonomously and deliver under tight deadlines
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, pragmatic, and delivery-focused
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail with a commercial mindset
• Adaptable and confident stepping into a short-term contract role