Financial Controller

An established SME is looking for a Financial Controller to take full ownership of the finance function and act as a key strategic partner to the Managing Director and leadership team.

This is a hands-on, high-visibility role where you will drive financial governance, reporting accuracy, cash performance, and commercial decision-making in a dynamic, project-driven environment.

The Role

You will lead the company's financial management, ensuring strong control, compliance, and insight to support growth.

Key responsibilities include:

Financial Governance & Compliance

• Maintain strong internal financial controls and audit discipline
• Ensure compliance with UK GAAP / FRS102 and Companies Act requirements
• Manage HMRC compliance (VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax)
• Oversee statutory reporting and year-end audit process
• Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and financial documentation
• Manage Company Secretary responsibilities and regulatory filings
• Monitor financial risk and ensure appropriate controls

Financial Reporting & Insight

• Produce accurate monthly management accounts
• Prepare P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow forecasts
• Deliver variance analysis and meaningful financial commentary
• Provide clear interpretation of financial performance to leadership
• Support strategic decision-making with commercial financial insight

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Manage and forecast cash flow on a rolling basis
• Oversee credit control, supplier payments, and banking relationships
• Monitor stock valuation and working capital performance
• Protect liquidity within a project-led construction supply cycle

Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning

• Lead annual budgets and reforecasts
• Build long-term financial plans
• Support pricing, margin analysis, and cost modelling
• Identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities
• Support growth and investment decisions

Finance Operations Leadership

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations (purchase ledger, sales ledger and payroll coordination)
• Maintain bank reconciliations, fixed asset register, and stock accounting
• Ensure financial systems produce accurate, timely data
• Improve financial processes and reporting efficiency

External Relationships

• Act as primary contact for auditors, banks, HMRC, insurers, and advisers

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and develop finance team members
• Support wider business with financial insight and decision support
• Work cross-functionally with operations, sales, and leadership teams

The ideal candidate:

Essential:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or AAT Level 4)
• Strong knowledge of UK financial regulations and statutory compliance
• Experience in an SME Financial Controller or senior finance role
• Strong cash flow management, budgeting, and forecasting experience
• Audit preparation and HMRC reporting experience
• Strong Excel and accounting systems capability

Desirable:

• Manufacturing, construction, or product-based business experience
• Stock accounting and project margin analysis
• ERP or system implementation exposure

The Opportunity

This role offers the chance to:

• Take full ownership of a finance function
• Work closely with senior leadership and influence key decisions
• Strengthen financial performance and controls in a growing business
• Add genuine commercial value beyond the numbers