Group Financial Controller

Huntress; Essex; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Huntress are partnering with a Witham-based manufacturing group to recruit a Group Financial Controller who will lead the finance function and support growth.

Reporting to the Group Finance Director, you will oversee all financial operations across multiple group companies, develop the finance team, ensure timely management accounts, VAT returns, and robust financial controls in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)
• Experience as Financial Controller or senior finance position
• Strong financial management and analytical skills
• Excellent understanding of accounting standards and controls
• Experience developing finance teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Advanced Excel and MS Office skills
• Experience with ERP systems (Sage)
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across the business
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Manufacturing/engineering background with stock management knowledge advantageous

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day finance function across group companies.
• Develop and mentor the finance team and provide leadership.
• Produce accurate monthly management accounts with analysis and reconciliations.
• Oversee payroll, pensions and employee benefits.
• Manage cash flow, working capital and improve AR/AP processes.
• Ensure accounting standards and internal controls are met.
• Prepare VAT returns and statutory submissions.
• Maintain audit readiness and robust financial records.
• Support procurement with cost analysis and pricing reviews.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to aid performance and decisions.
• Attend ops meetings to provide financial insights for decisions.
• Assist Group Finance Director with strategic planning and initiatives.
• Participate in budgeting and forecasting; monitor against budget.
• Review systems and controls to identify improvements.

Skills

Financial acumen

ACCA/CIMA/ACA

Team leadership

Advanced Excel

Financial analysis

Stakeholder management

Tools

ERP systems

Sage

Job description

Group Financial Controller
Location: Witham (Office Based)
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm

An established and growing Witham based business are seeking an experienced Group Financial Controller to lead its finance function and support the continued growth of the organisation.

Reporting to the Group Finance Director, this is a broad and hands-on role responsible for overseeing all financial operations across multiple group companies.

This position would suit a qualified finance professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, is commercially minded and has the confidence to work closely with senior leadership whilst leading and developing an established finance team.

Duties will include:

• Lead and manage the day-to-day finance function, overseeing sales ledger, purchase ledger, general ledger and banking activities.
• Manage and develop the finance team, providing leadership, support and mentoring.
• Ensure the production of accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including supporting analysis and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Oversee payroll, pension administration and employee benefits.
• Manage cash flow, working capital and optimise accounts receivable and payable processes.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, statutory regulations and internal financial controls.
• Prepare and review VAT returns and ensure all statutory submissions are completed accurately and on time.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure audit readiness at all times.
• Support the procurement function through cost analysis, pricing reviews and process compliance.
• Produce financial analysis and commercial reporting to support business performance and pricing decisions.
• Attend operational management meetings, providing financial insight and guidance to support decision-making.
• Support the Group Finance Director with strategic projects, financial planning and business initiatives.
• Assist with the annual budgeting and forecasting process, monitoring performance against budget.
• Review financial systems, controls and processes, identifying opportunities for improvement and increased efficiency.

Candidate requirements:

• Qualified accountant - ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent
• Previous experience in a Financial Controller or similar senior finance position
• Strong financial management, analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent understanding of accounting standards and financial controls
• Experience managing and developing finance teams
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and good knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Experience using ERP systems and Sage
• Ability to work independently whilst collaborating effective across the wider business
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail
• Experienced with a manufacturing or engineering business with an understanding of stock management would be an advantage but not essential

Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Business in relation to this role.