Financial Controller in Blackburn)

Grassroots Recruitment Limited; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Financial Controller for a prominent manufacturing organization in Blackburn. The successful candidate will manage financial reporting, budgeting, and performance analysis. Candidates should be CIMA qualified or QBE with significant experience in manufacturing finance. This role offers a competitive salary of up to £55,000 plus a 10% bonus, along with the opportunity to influence the company's growth and strategic decisions.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus up to 10%

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience in a similar role.
• Proven understanding of product costing and cost control.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate Management Accounts and performance reports.
• Lead annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes.
• Partner with Budget Holders to drive operational efficiency.

Skills

Analytical skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Communication skills

Cost control

SAGE X3 experience

Problem-solving

Self-motivation

Education

CIMA qualified or QBE

Tools

SAGE X3

Excel

Job description

Are you an experienced manufacturing finance professional looking for a fully autonomous role where you can influence strategic decisions and drive performance? Do you enjoy owning the numbers, advising senior leaders and making a tangible impact on business growth?

Our client, a well-established manufacturing organisation, is seeking a hands‑on Financial Controller to lead financial reporting, performance analysis and budgeting activities. This is a key position working closely with the Senior Management Team, providing accurate, timely and insightful financial information to support operational and strategic decision‑making. Offering full ownership of the finance function day‑to‑day, this role suits a proactive, commercially minded accountant who thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

You will take the lead on management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, COGS reporting and ERP performance, ensuring robust controls and a strong financial governance framework. Ideal applicants will bring proven experience from a manufacturing setting, strong analytical capability, excellent business partnering skills and confidence advising non‑finance colleagues. CIMA‑qualified or QBE with strong manufacturing experience will be considered.

Job Description

• Prepare accurate and timely periodic Management Accounts and performance reports
• Oversee monthly balance sheet reconciliations
• Lead the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes
• Provide detailed, data‑driven analysis of COGS, costing models and gross margin performance
• Act as SAGE X3 ERP lead, ensuring optimal use, robust processes and accurate reporting
• Maintain and improve financial controls, documentation and transactional processing
• Partner with Budget Holders, Production, Planning and Supply Chain to drive operational efficiency
• Support year‑end audit activities and manage group reporting requirements
• Identify financial risks and opportunities, escalating issues where appropriate
• Contribute to special projects including business change, site expansion and process development

Person Specification

Essential

• CIMA qualified or QBE with strong manufacturing finance experience
• Minimum 3 years experience in a similar role
• Proven understanding of product costing, cost control and profitability improvement
• Strong experience with budgeting, forecasting and cost centre management
• Advanced Excel skills and working knowledge of ERP systems (preferably SAGE X3)
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills
• Ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and partner effectively with SMT
• Positive attitude, self‑motivation and commercial awareness

Desirable

• Experience with production planning or inventory control
• SQL report‑writing skills or MRP understanding

This is an excellent opportunity to take full ownership of a finance function within a respected manufacturing business. Alongside a competitive salary of up to 55,000 plus 10% bonus, you’ll join a supportive senior team and play a key role in influencing future growth and performance. If you’re looking for autonomy, impact and a genuinely progressive environment, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV by clicking on the relevant links. If successful, you will be contacted by one of our consultants within 3 working days. Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we expect to receive for this vacancy, if you do not hear from us within this time, you should presume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Grassroots Recruitment is acting as a recruitment agency and a recruitment business in respect of this vacancy. Grassroots Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and recruiter. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, race, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion or disability.