Financial Controller

Wilkins Talent Solutions Limited; Swindon; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilkins Talent Solutions Limited is exclusively retained to appoint a Financial Controller for an established Swindon business within an international group. You will report to the Managing Director and take ownership of financial reporting, controls and the finance team, delivering commercial insight to support performance and growth.

This hands-on leadership role involves budgeting, forecasting, year-end processes and group reporting, with oversight of payroll, VAT, tax and pensions.

Qualifications

• Qualified or QBE or finalists may be considered.
• Experience leading or supervising finance teams within SME environments.
• Hands-on in management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and financial controls.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to explain numbers to non-financial stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail and constructive challenge to improve performance.
• Proficient with Excel and finance systems.

Responsibilities

• Produce monthly management accounts, commentary and analysis with timely group reporting.
• Lead budgets and forecasts with department managers to align priorities.
• Manage and develop the finance team, including payroll, VAT, tax and pension responsibilities.
• Maintain strong financial controls across cash flow, working capital, balance sheet reconciliations and fixed assets.
• Coordinate year-end reporting and external audit processes.
• Develop sales, gross margin and profitability reporting using the finance system and Excel.
• Prepare and present financial information for board meetings.
• Collaborate with senior management to challenge assumptions and support planning.
• Support wider operational responsibilities and business projects as required.

Skills

Financial management

Finance leadership

Management accounts

Budgeting & forecasting

Financial analysis

Detail-oriented

Excel skills

Education

Qualified Accountant or QBE/Finalist

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Job description

Are you an experienced finance professional looking for a role where you can lead a finance function and make a meaningful contribution to business decisions?

Wilkins Talent Solutions has been exclusively retained to appoint a Financial Controller for an established business in Swindon, operating within a wider international group.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of financial reporting, controls and the finance team, while providing the commercial insight needed to support performance and growth.

This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity with exposure to senior management and board discussions. It could suit an existing Financial Controller or a Finance Manager ready to take on broader responsibility.

The role

You will combine reliable financial management with practical business partnering. Key responsibilities include:

• Producing monthly management accounts, commentary and analysis, alongside timely group reporting.
• Leading budgets and forecasts, working with departmental managers to understand performance and priorities.
• Managing and developing the finance team, including sales and purchase ledger activities.
• Maintaining strong financial controls across cash flow, working capital, balance sheet reconciliations and fixed assets.
• Coordinating year-end reporting and the external audit.
• Overseeing payroll, VAT, tax and pension requirements, with support from external advisers where appropriate.
• Ensuring accurate stock valuations and appropriate provisions for obsolete or slow‑moving inventory.
• Developing sales, gross margin and profitability reporting using the finance system and Excel.
• Preparing and presenting financial information for board meetings.
• Working closely with the Managing Director and leadership team to challenge assumptions, identify improvements and support business planning.
• Supporting wider operational responsibilities and business projects as required.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings sound financial judgement, commercial curiosity and the confidence to work closely with colleagues across the business.

You will ideally offer:

• Qualified or QBE or finalists may also be considered.
• Strong financial management experience, ideally gained within an SME.
• Experience leading or supervising finance colleagues.
• A hands‑on approach to management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and financial controls.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to explain what the numbers mean for the business.
• Excellent attention to detail, alongside the confidence to challenge constructively.
• Strong Excel skills and confidence working with finance systems.

Experience of inventory, stock valuation and group reporting would be particularly relevant.

Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central would also be useful.