UK Financial Controller

SF Partners; Burton upon Trent; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to manage financial control and reporting across two sites in the UK. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with over 5 years of experience in manufacturing finance, possessing strong skills in cost accounting and financial reporting. This site-based role requires effective communication and collaboration with operational leaders while ensuring compliance with UK tax requirements. A full driving licence is necessary due to occasional travel between sites.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with a relevant qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing finance.
• Strong cost accounting and inventory management skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the P&L and balance sheet for two UK manufacturing sites.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis.

Skills

Cost accounting

Financial reporting

Inventory management

Communication

Advanced Excel skills

ERP experience

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)

5+ years post-qualification experience in manufacturing or plant finance

Tools

JD Edwards

Job description

SF Recruitment are partnering with an established UK manufacturing business is looking for a commercially minded finance professional to take ownership of financial control and reporting across two UK sites.

Reporting into the UK Finance Director this role is critical in driving profitability, cost efficiency, and operational excellence. You’ll work closely with Operations and Manufacturing leaders, acting as a true business partner and providing clear, actionable financial insight. Strong experience within Manufacturing, Multi-site & Cost Accounting is essential.

As the Financial Controller you will:

• Full ownership of P&L and balance sheet for two UK manufacturing sites
• Delivery of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting (UK GAAP / IFRS)
• Lead site budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis
• Control and track capital expenditure from project approval through to asset creation
• Actively manage and improve working capital (inventory, receivables, payables)
• Lead manufacturing cost accounting and performance analysis
• Analyse production variances, labour efficiency, material usage, and overhead absorption
• Build and maintain operational dashboards (productivity, hours, efficiency)
• Support cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives
• Trusted advisor to Plant Managers and Operations teams
• Support capital investment decisions, capacity planning, and efficiency projects
• Provide insight into pricing, margins, and supply chain optimisation
• Ensure strong internal controls and audit readiness
• Maintain compliance with UK statutory and tax requirements
• Drive consistency and standardisation across sites

About You

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
• 5+ years post-qualification experience in manufacturing or plant finance
• Strong background in cost accounting and inventory management
• Confident communicator, able to challenge and influence operational leaders
• Advanced Excel skills and ERP experience (JD Edwards ideal)
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement

This is a site-based role with ad-hoc travel between two UK locations, so a full driving licence is essential.