Financial Controller

Role: Financial ControllerReporting to: Chief Financial OfficerDirect report: Part-time BookkeeperLocation: Brighton & HoveThe Role We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to take ownership of the day-to-day financial control and reporting of a growing food manufacturing business. This is a hands-on role with broad exposure across financial reporting, cash flow management, controls, and systems, with a clear progression path to Finance Director within two to three years.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting & Management Accounts

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly management accounts, including P&L, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow statements.
• Provide clear, insightful commentary on performance, including investigation and explanation of material variances.
• Maintain and manage accruals, including retrospective discounts and supplier recharges.

Cash Flow & Working Capital

• Manage short- and medium-term cash flow forecasting and funding requirements.
• Monitor working capital movements and assess fixed asset investment needs.
• Oversee daily bank reconciliations and ensure alignment with finance providers' balances.

Treasury & Finance Providers

• Act as the primary point of contact for finance providers, including invoice discounting and inventory finance facilities.
• Ensure accurate reconciliation and reporting to all funding partners.

Payments, Payroll & Receivables

• Oversee supplier and staff payment processes.
• Manage receivables and credit control processes to support cash collection.
• Run monthly payroll for approximately 40 employees.

Controls, Compliance & Governance

• Review, maintain and improve internal controls and accounting policies.
• Approve invoices in line with delegated authority.
• Ensure full compliance with HMRC reporting requirements, including VAT, Excise Duty and PAYE.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Improvement

• Assist with annual budget preparation and quarterly reforecasting.
• Identify and help implement efficiency improvements through enhanced systems and processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across finance operations.

Systems & Team

• Work closely with operational teams to ensure robust financial data flows from production systems.
• Manage and develop a part-time bookkeeper.
• Contribute to ongoing systems optimisation (NetSuite experience preferred).

Candidate ProfileEssential

• Proven experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong management accounting, cash flow and working capital management skills.
• Hands-on, detail-oriented approach with the ability to operate at both transactional and strategic levels.
• Experience liaising with external finance providers.
• Solid understanding of UK statutory and HMRC reporting requirements.

Desirable

• Experience using NetSuite or similar manufacturing ERP systems.
• Background in a growing, scaling or PE-backed business.
• Ambition to progress to a Finance Director role.

Career Development This role offers a genuine opportunity for progression, with structured succession planning to Finance Director within two to three years for the right candidate.Benefits:

• £60-70k base depending on experience
• Bonus
• Pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave
• Discounts across the brand