Financial Controller

Role Overview

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this senior finance leader oversees the company’s financial operations, commercial processes and control environment. The role connects financial planning and reporting with the practical demands of a manufacturing business, including cash flow, inventory, procurement, production costs and logistics, so leaders can make informed decisions and act on financial risks and performance opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, financial planning and rolling forecasts, including cash flow and capital expenditure projections; advise the CEO and directors on liquidity, funding needs and financial risks.
• Oversee monthly close, management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, provisions and reporting, ensuring accurate results are delivered to agreed deadlines and statutory obligations are tracked with head office.
• Establish and improve financial procedures and internal controls, including inventory and sub-ledger controls; coordinate audit activity and follow through on audit findings.
• Assess company, business-unit, customer and product profitability. Examine margins, factory costs and productivity, discounts, warehousing, distribution and overheads, then recommend and drive performance improvements.
• Maintain reliable product and materials costing by reviewing operational cost data, updating raw-material prices with suppliers, and checking cost calculations across sites where applicable.
• Work with stores, production planning and procurement teams to set stock ranges, order quantities and reorder points; monitor ageing and obsolete inventory and recommend appropriate provisions or write-offs.
• Support working-capital performance by monitoring collections with credit control, reviewing doubtful debts, and coordinating follow-up or resolution plans.
• Oversee commercial purchasing and import processes, including purchase approvals, supplier records, shipment and payment tracking, letters of credit, import documentation, duty payments, freight and landed-cost reviews.
• Manage the fixed-asset register, depreciation and asset verification; coordinate impairment reviews and maintain records needed for deferred-tax calculations.
• Prepare investment business cases and assess proposed capital expenditure to support management decisions.
• Lead and develop the finance team through clear objectives, coaching, training and performance reviews; work with HR on workforce capability, recruitment and relevant employee matters.
• Promote safe, orderly working practices within the department and contribute to a strong health, safety and environmental culture.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience leading a finance function in a large, multicultural organisation, with evidence of sound financial stewardship and successful implementation of financial strategy.
• A degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting or a related discipline, or a recognised professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA or an equivalent chartered accountancy qualification.
• Practical experience designing, implementing and overseeing internal controls, financial reporting processes and audit activity.
• Proficiency with business software or an ERP system; experience with SAP is an advantage.
• Knowledge of ISO management systems is an advantage.
• Strong commercial and financial judgement, with the ability to interpret complex information and translate it into clear recommendations for senior leaders.
• Experience communicating with executives and working with internal and external auditors, banks, government agencies, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Confident leadership, negotiation and influencing skills, together with the ability to guide a team, set priorities and deliver to deadlines.
• Highly organised and analytical, with a decisive, practical approach to problem-solving, risk assessment and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates integrity, diligence, attention to detail and composure under pressure.