Interim Group Finance Controller | Consumer

Blackwaters Consulting Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackwaters Consulting Group in London is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to own the day-to-day finance function and contribute to improving financial processes, controls and systems across the business. This hands-on role focuses on strengthening stock control, developing a robust stock handling system, and providing timely, accurate information to support growth.

You will review current processes, implement practical improvements, and work with management, accountants and suppliers

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Financial Controller or Finance Manager.
• Previous experience with stock-based businesses and stock control.
• Experience implementing or upgrading finance/ERP systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the day-to-day finance function.
• Manage purchase and sales ledger, cash flow, banking and reconciliations.
• Oversee monthly management accounts and financial reporting.
• Manage month-end and year-end processes.
• Monitor cash flow, margins, costs and financial performance.
• Maintain strong financial controls and accurate records.
• Collaborate with management to provide financial insight and support decision-making.
• Liaise with external accountants, auditors, suppliers and financial stakeholders.

Skills

Financial reporting

Cash flow management

Stock management

Process improvement

Financial controls

Analytical skills

Communication

Commercial acumen

ERP implementation

Tools

ERP software

Accounting software

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Financial Controller to take ownership of the day-to-day finance function of our London based client while playing a key role in improving and developing the financial processes, controls and systems across the business.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys being close to the detail but can also step back and identify where processes can be improved, controls strengthened and systems developed to support the continued growth of the business.

A key priority for the successful candidate will be to review, develop and implement robust processes and procedures, with particular focus on stock management and stock control. You will be responsible for developing and implementing an effective stock handling system that provides accurate, timely and reliable information across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the day-to-day finance function.
• Manage purchase and sales ledger, cash flow, banking and reconciliations.
• Oversee the production of monthly management accounts and financial reporting.
• Manage month-end and year-end processes.
• Monitor and report on cash flow, margins, costs and financial performance.
• Maintain strong financial controls and ensure financial records are accurate and up to date.
• Work closely with the wider management team to provide financial insight and support decision-making.
• Liaise with external accountants, auditors, suppliers and other financial stakeholders as required.

Process & procedure improvement

• Review existing finance processes and procedures, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement robust, efficient and scalable financial controls.
• Document processes and procedures and ensure they are consistently followed.
• Identify inefficiencies and introduce practical solutions to improve accuracy, reporting and financial control.
• Support the business in developing systems that provide better visibility and management information.
• Take ownership of improving the way stock is recorded, managed and controlled.
• Develop and implement a robust stock handling and stock management system.
• Review current stock processes from purchasing and goods-in through to sales, dispatch and stock reconciliation.
• Establish appropriate stock controls, procedures and reporting.
• Introduce regular stock checks and reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Improve the accuracy and visibility of stock levels, movements and valuation.
• Work with operational teams to ensure the new processes are practical, understood and consistently implemented.
• Ideally, lead or support the implementation of a new stock or finance system where required.

We are looking for someone who is hands-on, commercially aware and naturally focused on improving how things are done.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience working as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or in a similar senior finance position.
• A strong understanding of day-to-day financial operations and financial controls.
• Previous experience working within a stock-based business, such as manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, retail or another environment where effective stock management is critical.
• Demonstrable experience of stock control, stock reconciliation and stock valuation.
• Experience reviewing and improving financial processes and procedures.
• Ideally, previous experience of implementing a new finance, stock or ERP system.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger commercial picture.
• The ability to work collaboratively with both finance and operational teams.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to challenge existing processes and introduce better ways of working.
• A proactive, practical approach with the ability to take ownership and see projects through from initial review to successful implementation.