Strategic Financial Controller — Path to Finance Director

Universal Business Team; Sandbach; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension

On-site parking

Job summary

Universal Business Team is seeking a commercially minded Financial Controller to lead the finance function in a growing SME. You will partner with the MD and senior leadership, shaping strategy and overseeing the finance team.

The role focuses on balance sheet integrity, management reporting, and cash flow planning, with a clear path toward Finance Director as the business scales. Competitive salary, bonus and benefits accompany the role.

Qualifications

• Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA with proven senior finance leadership experience.
• Experience as Financial Controller or senior finance leader in a growing SME.
• Strong ability to manage both strategic and hands‑on finance tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small finance team and drive continuous improvement.
• Produce monthly management accounts and meaningful financial reporting.
• Own budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management with robust controls.
• Oversee year‑end accounts and relationship with external accountants/auditors.
• Develop KPI reporting and provide commercial analysis to senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate on growth projects, investments and ERP development.

Skills

Finance leadership

Management accounting

Budgets & forecasting

Cash flow management

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification

Job description

Universal Business Team is seeking a commercially minded Financial Controller to lead the finance function in a growing SME. You will partner with the MD and senior leadership, shaping strategy and overseeing the finance team.

The role focuses on balance sheet integrity, management reporting, and cash flow planning, with a clear path toward Finance Director as the business scales. Competitive salary, bonus and benefits accompany the role.