UK Plant Financial Controller

SF Recruitment; Stafford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a UK Plant Financial Controller for a manufacturing business in Burton Upon Trent. The role involves full ownership of financial control across two sites, driving profitability and operational excellence. Candidates should be qualified accountants with over 5 years of relevant experience, particularly in manufacturing finance and cost accounting. Strong communication skills and advanced Excel capabilities are essential. This position is site-based with travel required between locations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years post-qualification experience in manufacturing or plant finance.
• Confident communicator, able to challenge and influence operational leaders.
• Experience in multi-site environments and import/export exposure a plus.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Cost accounting

Inventory management

Financial reporting

Advanced Excel skills

Communication skills

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

JD Edwards

Job description

UK Plant Financial Controller

Burton Upon Trent, Full Time, Permanent, £ Negotiable + Bonus

SF Recruitment are partnering with an established UK manufacturing business 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)
• Experience in multi‑site environments; import/export exposure a plus
• 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.