Financial Controller

Paranova Print and Packaging; St. Neots; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Paranova Print and Packaging in the United Kingdom is seeking a commercially focused Financial Controller to join our senior finance and site leadership team. You will provide critical financial insight, influence strategic decisions, and drive year-on-year EBITDA improvement across multiple sites.

Reporting to the CFO, you will own the balance sheet, lead budgeting and forecasting, and manage statutory and tax reporting.

Qualifications

• Professionally qualified accountant (or QBE).
• Manufacturing/FMCG experience (min 3 years).
• Strong IFRS and standard costing knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Deliver monthly financial reporting with insightful commentary.
• Own balance sheet integrity, including reconciliations and audit support.
• Lead annual budget, forecasting, and mid-term planning processes.
• Oversee VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, and group reporting requirements.
• Lead inventory reporting and standard costing; CAPEX planning.
• Partner with Operations, Commercial, Sales and Shared Services to drive performance.

Skills

Strong communicator

Commercially minded

Highly organised

Multi-site leadership

Leadership

Education

Chartered accountant or equivalent (ACCA/CIMA/CA) or QBE

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

We are looking for a commercially focused and driven Financial Controller to join our senior finance and site leadership team. This is a high-impact role where you will provide critical financial insight, influence strategic decision-making, and drive year-on-year EBITDA improvement.

Reporting to the CFO, ensuring robust financial governance, and partnering with operational teams across multiple sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate, timely monthly financial reporting with clear, insightful commentary
• Own full balance sheet integrity, including reconciliations and audit support
• Lead the annual budget, forecasting, and mid-term planning processes
• Oversee statutory, tax, and group reporting requirements (VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, etc.)

Business Partnering & Performance

• Act as the key finance partner to Operations, Commercial, Sales, Procurement, and Shared Services
• Develop and enhance reporting (including ERP systems) to support data-driven decisions
• Analyse sales, margin, and operational performance to identify opportunities and risks
• Support commercial activities including tender processes

Costing, Inventory & Capex

• Lead inventory reporting and standard costing processes
• Analyse and explain variances, ensuring operational understanding
• Oversee CAPEX planning, approval, and performance vs budget
• Produce and present business cases for investment

Operational & Strategic Impact

• Drive cost-saving initiatives and track EBITDA impact
• Support major site investments and future development projects
• Identify and implement improvements to processes and ways of working
• Contribute to long-term strategic growth through financial insight

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a small finance team
• Drive performance, succession planning, and continuous development
• Foster strong relationships across the business and external stakeholders

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Qualifications

• Professionally qualified accountant (or QBE)
• Experience in a manufacturing or FMCG environment (minimum 3 years)
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including IFRS
• Experience with standard costing and operational finance
• Advanced Excel skills

Skills & Attributes

• Strong communicator, able to engage both financial and non-financial stakeholders
• Commercially minded with a proactive, solutions-focused approach
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Confident working in a fast-paced, multi-site environment
• A natural leader who can motivate and develop others

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking, growing business
• Play a critical role in shaping financial and operational performance
• Work closely with senior leadership and influence strategic decisions
• Opportunity to lead change, drive improvements, and develop your career