Financial Controller

Financial Controller
 
This is finance ownership in the fullest sense, from the day-to-day numbers through to the strategy that shapes where the business goes next.
 
A growing specialist logistics group is looking for a Financial Controller to take the reins.
 
As a Financial Controller you will report directly to the Managing Director and take full ownership of the accounting function for a growing, logistics group. You will make sure every record is accurate, every result stands up to scrutiny, and the numbers tell leadership what they actually need to know. This is a broad role. One day you are running the month-end close and presenting results to the Board, the next you are shaping financial strategy, planning investment, and driving the process and automation improvements that make the whole function sharper. The aim is clear. Give the business finance it can trust, and the insight to make better decisions.
 
Job Responsibilities

• Taking full accountability for all transactional finance, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking and cash management
• Running the month-end and year-end close, and producing management accounts and MI for the Managing Director
• Preparing the analysis that drives decisions, including variance analysis, cost of sales, material costings and labour analysis
• Presenting the financial results to the Board at monthly board meetings
• Leading the annual budgeting and forecasting process
• Working with leadership to shape financial strategy, including capital expenditure, investment planning and cost control
• Developing and maintaining a strong financial control environment, with robust policies and procedures
• Managing tax compliance across VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax and CIS
• Handling statutory and compliance reporting, including involvement in certification audits such as ISO
• Overseeing group company accounting across the holding company and subsidiaries, with quarterly reports and year-end accounts
• Acting as finance lead on system improvements, driving automation and efficiency through the department
• Managing third-party relationships with insurance brokers, external accountants and tax advisors

 
Skills and Experience
To succeed as Financial Controller you will need:

• A fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or ACA)
• Experience as a Head of Finance, Financial Controller or Finance Manager within an SME
• Strong technical accounting knowledge across reporting, controls and compliance
• A good working knowledge of PAYE and Corporation Tax, including quarterly instalments
• A track record of improving processes and controls, driving automation and increasing efficiency
• Advanced Excel and confident use of MS Office
• The confidence to challenge constructively, with strong persuasion and negotiation skills
• Comfort working with everyone from shop floor operatives to Board members
• A self-motivated, driven and proactive approach, with the discretion to handle confidential information
• Experience within logistics, medical, specialist or time-critical courier services, which is desirable
• Power BI, planning analytics or AI experience and involvement in automation projects, which is desirable

 
Pay and Benefits

• Up to £75,000
• Hybrid working
• A senior leadership role with full ownership of the finance function and a direct line to the Managing Director
• Real influence over the strategy and direction of a growing business

 
Ready to apply?
Senior finance roles with this much breadth and this much influence are rare. You would own the entire function, sit at the table where the big decisions are made, and have the freedom to build something better as the business grows. If you are a finance leader who wants more than a narrow remit and the chance to genuinely shape a business, this Head of Finance role is one to act on. Apply now.