Financial Controller/Head of Finance

DDC; Poole; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer of infection control solutions is seeking a Financial Controller/Head of Finance in Poole, England. This role involves managing finance operations, preparing management accounts, and contributing to strategic planning. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with experience in an SME and strong leadership skills. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

25 days Holiday (increasing with service)

Health Cash Back Plan

Private Medical Cover

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Volunteering Day

Birthday vouchers

Long service vouchers

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior finance role within an SME or mid-sized business.
• Proven ability to lead a small team and manage day-to-day finance operations.
• Understanding of stock management, cost of sales, and capex planning.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the day-to-day finance function.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly management accounts.
• Lead the annual budgeting process.

Skills

Strong technical accounting skills

Management reporting

Advanced Excel skills

Team leadership

Commercial awareness

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent)

Tools

SAP Business One

Job description

Job Title: Financial Controller/Head of Finance

Location: Poole, Dorset

Reports to: Managing Director

Direct Reports: 3

Type: Full-time | Permanent - Monday to Friday (40 hours per week)

About DDC Dolphin

DDC Dolphin is a leading manufacturer of infection control solutions for the healthcare sector, supplying innovative solutions to hospitals, care homes, and other facilities worldwide. We are a growing, purpose-driven business with a strong reputation for quality, compliance, and customer service.

We are now looking for a hands-on and commercially aware Financial Controller to lead our finance function. This role is critical in ensuring financial stability and operational control while also supporting strategic planning and business performance.

Role Overview

As Financial Controller, you will manage all aspects of the day-to-day finance function and lead a team of three. You will be responsible for delivering accurate management accounts, forecasts, and commercial insight to support decision-making.

This role combines operational finance leadership with the opportunity to contribute strategically, working closely with the Managing Director and senior team to influence performance, support investment decisions, and improve processes as the business grows.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Control

·Prepare timely and accurate monthly management accounts, KPI reports, and board-level summaries

·Ensure strong financial controls and accounting standards across the business

·Lead the review and development of financial processes, policies, and procedures

·Oversee purchase ledger and authorise purchase invoices

·Manage and maintain stock and fixed asset registers

·Support external advisors with year-end accounts and audit preparation

·Overseeing compliance with financial regulations such as UK Vat

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

·Lead the annual budgeting process and prepare regular rolling forecasts

·Deliver financial analysis to support decision-making — including cost, margin and profitability

analysis

·Contribute to capex planning, business case evaluation, and return-on-investment assessments

·Provide commercial input into pricing, contract decisions, and operational planning

Cash, Cost Management & Payroll Management

·Monitor and manage cash flow, ensuring both operational liquidity and forward visibility

·Oversee and gain maximum efficiency with the credit control process

·Track spend, highlight variances, and support departments with cost control and budget discipline

·Identify opportunities for cost optimisation across the business

·Manage and review utility costs and contracts, ensuring value for money and efficiency

·Oversee company insurance policies, ensuring adequate cover is maintained and costs are monitored

·Oversee the accurate and timely processing of the monthly payroll, working closely with HR and

external providers as needed

Team Leadership & Development

·Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team

·Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and promote continuous improvement

·Foster a collaborative, proactive team culture

Systems & Process Improvement

·Support the ongoing development of SAP Business One and other finance systems

·Identify and lead process improvements to drive efficiency, accuracy, and insight

·Help improve data flows and reporting across finance, operations, and sales

Strategic Business Support

·Act as a financial partner to the Managing Director and senior leadership team

·Provide financial insight to support growth plans, investment decisions, and longer-term strategy

·Play an active role in cross-functional projects and business improvement initiatives

Candidate Profile

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent)
• Experience in a senior finance role within an SME or mid-sized business
• Strong technical accounting and management reporting skills
• Proven ability to lead a small team and manage day-to-day finance operations
• Commercially aware and confident communicating with non-finance colleagues
• Advanced Excel skills and a systems-orientated mindset

Desirable

• Experience in a manufacturing or product-based environment
• Understanding of stock management, cost of sales, and capex planning
• Familiarity with SAP Business One or similar ERP systems (an advantage, but not essential)

Salary & Benefits

·Salary: competitive (depending on experience)

·25 days Holiday (increasing to 26 after 2 years, 27 after 4 years and 28 after 5 years)

·Health Cash Back Plan

·Private Medical Cover

·Employee Assistance Program

·Employee Volunteering Day

·Birthday vouchers

·Long service vouchers