Financial Controller

Kenton Black; Upton; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Bonus

Healthcare package

Job summary

Kenton Black Finance are helping a leading UK manufacturing group recruit a Group Financial Controller. This hybrid role leads financial operations, drives robust controls, and provides strategic insight across budgeting, forecasting, payroll, and audits.

You will manage a small team, support the Finance Director, and partner with stakeholders to improve financial performance. Based near Poole with hybrid working and clear progression opportunities within a growing, international group.

Qualifications

• Qualified CIMA/ACA/ACCA with senior Financial Controller experience in manufacturing.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to influence business strategy.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and staff management.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly management accounts and month-end close with accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management across sites.
• Prepare group reporting, intercompany reconciliations and financial analysis.
• Coordinate audits, VAT returns and statutory reporting requirements.
• Supervise Accounts Assistant and drive process improvements in finance.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Staff management

ERP systems

Education

CIMA

ACA

ACCA

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Based on the outskirts of Poole, this newly established role will support a period of transition ad change within one of the UK's leading manufacturing businesses. Operating across multi-sites, this position provides a unique opportunity to drive performance, assist the Finance Director in a period of transformation and change whilst leading in the overhaul of process and procedure to gain commercial insight across the business.

Part of a corporate, international group, this specialist manufacturing business operate autonomously. An employer of choice across the UK they are also in a period of high growth and are offering a competitive salary and unique opportunity.

Salary and Enhanced Benefits include:

• Hybrid working, bonus and healthcare package + DIS with progression opportunity.

Your new role as Financial Controller:

As Group Financial Controller you shall lead the financial operations of a dynamic manufacturing business, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and strategic insight. This role has full responsibility for management accounts, budgeting and forecasting, month and year-end processes, payroll, audit support and financial compliance. Leading and developing the small team you shall also provide detailed financial analysis to aid decision making. The Financial Controller will play a key role in supporting the Finance Director and key stakeholders by maintaining financial health, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement in both financial processes and wider business operations to help achieve strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare monthly management accounts and complete the month-end reporting process within agreed deadlines.
• Prepare journals, accruals, prepayments, depreciation and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Produce regular financial reports, analysis and commentary for management and Group Finance.
• Monitor financial performance against budget and investigate significant variances.
• Maintain accurate general ledger and financial reporting records.
• Complete Group reporting requirements and intercompany reconciliations as required.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Management

• Coordinate the annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
• Prepare and maintain cash flow forecasts and monitor the company's cash position.
• Complete and oversee bank reconciliations and supplier payment runs.
• Monitor working capital, debtors and creditors and highlight financial risks.
• Support capital expenditure planning and financial analysis.

Transactional Finance

• Oversee purchase ledger, sales ledger and credit control activities.
• Ensure supplier and customer accounts are accurately maintained and reconciled.
• Ensure invoices, receipts and payments are correctly processed and authorised.
• Support and supervise the Accounts Assistant in the delivery of day-to-day finance activities.

Payroll & Compliance

• Coordinate the monthly payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payroll information.
• Complete payroll journals, pension requirements and associated reconciliations.
• Support VAT returns and other statutory financial reporting requirements.
• Maintain appropriate financial controls, procedures and audit trails.
• Ensure financial records comply with company, Group and statutory requirements.

Month-End, Year-End & Audit

• Manage the month-end and year-end financial close processes.
• Maintain the fixed asset register and ensure additions, disposals and depreciation are correctly recorded.
• Support stock-take, stock reconciliation and work-in-progress processes.
• Prepare year-end schedules and supporting information for external auditors.
• Act as a key finance contact during the external audit process.

Business Support & Continuous Improvement

• Provide financial information and analysis to support operational and commercial decision-making.
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Operations and other departments to improve financial understanding and cost control.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting and controls.
• Maintain accurate information within the company's ERP and financial reporting systems.
• Support ad-hoc financial projects and reporting requirements.

People Management

• Manage and support the Accounts Assistant, ensuring responsibilities and priorities are clearly defined.
• Provide coaching, development and appropriate training whilst reviewing performance and supporting the continued development of the finance function.

Experience & Qualifications Required to apply:

To be considered you shall have a proven track record of adding value in a senior Financial Controller role. With strong commercial acumen, and the ability to understand and influence business strategy, your experience within the manufacturing sector will enable insightful analysis and drive cost management in a fast-paced environment. Technically astute and formally qualified CIMA, ACA or ACCA (QBE is also considered) you will have solid experience enhancing financial control and reporting within the manufacturing and/or distribution sectors. With a demonstrated background in the management of budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and providing strategic recommendations based on financial data you will also have staff management experience. With advanced experience with ERP systems you shall also be rehearsed in managing financial projects, including the implementation of process improvements, system upgrades, and financial integration projects.

This role is being handled by Darren Cadman – Kenton Black Finance

Kenton Black Finance operate across the UK as a market leading recruitment partner, specialising in the attraction of finance talent across both permanent and interim requirements. With a team of dedicated experts, each with longevity operating in the finance arena, we maintain a proven track record and have established partnerships with businesses both large, small and those in their infancy.