Financial Controller – Pathway to FD

Artemis Human Capital; Coleraine; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A local SME in Northern Ireland is looking for a Financial Controller to lead their finance function. The role offers a clear pathway to Finance Director and involves managing financial reporting and analysis, ensuring compliance, budgeting, and team leadership. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant with strong financial control experience. This position presents a unique opportunity with exposure to private equity investors.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Company pension

31 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with strong experience in financial control and reporting.
• Proven background in managing CapEx or investment projects is desirable.
• Exposure to M&A activity and post-acquisition integration is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage month-end and year-end close processes and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Prepare budgets and forecasts to support business planning.
• Oversee cash flow and working capital management.
• Support financial planning for major CapEx projects.
• Liaise with external accountants and tax advisors.
• Lead and develop finance team members.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)

Strong experience in financial control, reporting, and analysis

Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills

Strong communication skills

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

What We Offer

• £55,000 – 65,000 salary
• Direct route to Finance Director level
• Bonus scheme
• Company pension
• 31 days annual leave
• Hybrid working

Responsibilities

• Manage the month-end and year-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Maintain strong financial controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards and company policies.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis to support business planning and performance review.
• Oversee cash flow, working capital, and balance sheet management.
• Liaise with external accountants, tax advisors, and other external stakeholders.
• Support financial planning and analysis for major CapEx projects, including business case preparation, spend tracking, and return on investment assessment.
• Work closely with operations and project teams to ensure financial discipline and accurate reporting of capital investments.
• Assist with financial due diligence, modelling, and valuation work for potential acquisitions.
• Support post-acquisition integration, including alignment of financial systems, controls, and reporting.
• Lead and develop members of the finance team, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with senior management to provide insight and challenge on financial and operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, improve systems, and enhance management information.

Skills & Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Strong experience in financial control, reporting, and analysis.
• Proven background in managing CapEx or investment projects. (desirable)
• Exposure to M&A activity and post-acquisition integration. (desirable)
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Familiarity with ERP systems
• Strong communication skills and a proactive, hands-on approach.

A local SME is on an exciting growth journey following recent private equity investment. As part of this expansion, they are bringing their finance function in-house to support an ambitious plan to double revenue over the next five years.

They are now seeking aFinancial Controller; a newly created role that will sit as the head of the finance function. This positionoffers a clear pathway to Finance Director as the company continues its growth trajectory.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a Chartered Accountant on the North Coast seeking to take the next step in their career; work with a highly regarded local firm and gain exposure to leading private equity investors.

Apply below or get in touch with Marc Norton at Artemis Human Capital for full details.