Financial Controller

RBK Chartered Accountants; Meath Hill; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

RBK Chartered Accountants is supporting a leading manufacturing company in Co. Meath to recruit an experienced Financial Controller to lead the finance function and partner with senior management on growth initiatives.

The role emphasizes financial control, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and KPI reporting with a strong focus on manufacturing cost control, inventory valuation and profitable decision-making across the business.

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience.
• Experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role.
• Strong manufacturing industry experience.
• Excellent knowledge of management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead, oversee and optimize all financial and accounting activities.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual management accounts and reports.
• Develop budgets, forecasts and cash flow projections and monitor variances.
• Provide financial insights to support business decisions and profitability improvements.
• Manage internal controls, VAT/Tax compliance and the annual audit process.
• Lead and develop the finance team and partner with senior management.

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Our client, a leading manufacturing company based in Co. Meath, is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Financial Controller to join their leadership team.

This is a key role within the organisation, offering the opportunity to take ownership of the finance function while working closely with senior management to support the continued growth and long-term success of the business.

The successful candidate will combine strong financial control and technical accounting expertise with commercial awareness and operational insight. With a particular focus on the manufacturing environment, they will play a key role in driving operational efficiency, cost control, inventory management, profitability and informed decision-making across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead and oversee all financial and accounting activities across the business.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual management accounts.
• Produce financial reports, budgets, forecasts and cash flow projections.
• Analyse financial performance and provide recommendations to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Present financial results, management information and key performance indicators to senior management.
• Ensure the accurate maintenance of the general ledger and all financial and accounting records.
• Oversee pricing strategies, margin analysis and product profitability reviews.
• Develop meaningful financial and operational reporting to support business decision-making.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting and planning process.
• Develop and maintain robust financial forecasts.
• Monitor business performance against budget and investigate and report on variances.
• Provide financial input into strategic planning and business growth initiatives.
• Support senior management in evaluating commercial opportunities and potential business investments.

Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Take ownership of cash flow forecasting and liquidity management.
• Monitor debtor and creditor balances and ensure effective working capital management.
• Identify opportunities to improve cash conversion and working capital performance.
• Liaise with banks, lenders and external advisors as required.
• Provide management with clear visibility of current and future cash requirements.

Financial Controls, Compliance & Audit

• Maintain and continuously improve robust internal financial controls, processes and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Irish accounting standards, taxation requirements and company policies.
• Oversee VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE/PRSI and other Revenue reporting obligations.
• Coordinate the annual audit process and act as the primary point of contact for external auditors.

Ensure Compliance With Relevant Company Law And Regulatory Requirements.

• Identify and mitigate financial and commercial risks across the business.

Manufacturing Finance & Operational Support

• Work closely with operational and production teams to provide financial insight and support.
• Monitor manufacturing costs, inventory levels and stock valuation.
• Analyse product profitability, gross margins and cost drivers.
• Support initiatives focused on improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
• Provide financial analysis to support inventory management and production planning.
• Develop and monitor relevant financial and operational KPIs.

Team Leadership

• Lead, manage and develop the finance team.
• Allocate workloads and ensure the timely completion of key finance activities.
• Monitor team performance and support professional development.
• Identify training and development opportunities within the finance function.
• Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Business Partnering

• Partner with senior management and key stakeholders across operations, procurement and sales.
• Provide clear financial insight and commercial advice to support decision-making.
• Evaluate capital expenditure proposals and investment opportunities.
• Participate in strategic projects and business improvement initiatives.
• Act as a trusted financial advisor to the management team.

Essential

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• A minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience.
• Previous experience in a Financial Controller, Senior Finance or similar commercially focused finance role.
• Strong experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent knowledge of management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial controls.
• Experience working with ERP systems and manufacturing reporting.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, stock valuation, costing and margin analysis.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Experience implementing or improving financial systems, processes or reporting structures.
• Experience supporting business growth, investment or operational improvement initiatives.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial and business acumen.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Excellent stakeholder management and business partnering skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A proactive and hands-on approach.
• Strategic thinking combined with strong operational awareness.
• A continuous improvement mindset.

This is a hybrid role, with 4 days per week based in the office in Co. Meath and 1 day working from home.