Financial Controller of Operations

Hays Senior Finance; Livingston; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international manufacturer seeks a Financial Controller of Operations to enhance financial processes at a key UK site. This pivotal role involves managing a finance team, overseeing payroll, VAT, and driving process improvements. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with solid operational finance experience, ready to make a significant impact in a growing, PE-backed company.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Hybrid working options

Flexible working options available

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing or production environments with high turnover preferred.
• Comfortable in fast-paced, evolving environments.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a team of 4 finance staff.
• Oversee UK payroll, VAT returns, and bank reconciliations.
• Support senior leadership with financial analysis.

Skills

Operational finance experience

VAT knowledge

Payroll management

Process improvement

Communication skills

Education

Qualified accountant or QBE

Job description

Financial Controller of Operations - Manufacturing Sector
Your new companyA well-established and rapidly growing international manufacturer and distributor of environmental safety solutions. With multiple production and distribution sites across Europe and recent private equity backing, the business is undergoing significant transformation, particularly in the UK, where systems and processes are being modernised.
Your new roleAs Financial Controller of Operations, you'll be based at a key UK manufacturing site, working closely with the UK Financial Controller and leading a team of four transactional finance staff. You'll play a pivotal role in improving financial processes, ensuring compliance, and supporting the wider business with financial insights. This is a hands-on role with a strong focus on cash management, VAT, payroll oversight, and business partnering with sales, purchasing, and group finance teams.Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and developing a team of 4 finance staff
• Overseeing UK payroll (outsourced), VAT returns, and bank reconciliations
• Managing the Invoice Discounting facility and short-term cash flow forecasting
• Supporting senior leadership with financial information and analysis
• Driving process improvements and supporting ERP system enhancements
• Assisting with external audits and regulatory reporting

What you'll need to succeed

• Qualified accountant or QBE with strong operational finance experience
• Background in manufacturing or production environments (£20M+ turnover preferred)
• Solid knowledge of VAT, PAYE, payroll, and transactional finance
• Experience with Invoice Discounting and cash management
• A proactive, detail-oriented mindset with a passion for process improvement
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to team development
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment

What you'll get in return

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working (4 days in office, 1 day from home)
• Flexible working options available
• Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing, PE-backed business
• Supportive team culture and career development opportunities

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

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