Financial Controller

Job Title: Financial Controller

Location: Bury

Salary: 65,000 to 75,000 + Bonus scheme up to 40% of annual salary + access to private healthcare scheme

Overview:

The Financial Controller is responsible for the financial management, control, reporting and compliance of the UK and Irish businesses. The role will act as the lead finance professional within the UK and Irish operations, providing accurate financial information, commercial insight and strategic support to the Managing Director whilst ensuring alignment with Group policies and reporting requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

Prepare monthly management accounts and supporting analysis.

Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes.

Produce financial reports, KPIs and forecasts for local management and Group Finance.

Maintain integrity of the general ledger and financial records.

Deliver balance sheet reconciliations and ensure robust financial controls.

Coordinate annual statutory accounts and audit requirements.

Budgeting & Forecasting

Lead the annual budgeting process.

Prepare rolling forecasts and cash flow projections.

Monitor performance against budget and identify risks and opportunities.

Provide actionable financial analysis to support business decisions.

Business Partnering

Support the Managing Director and management team with financial insight and decision-making.

Analyse profitability by customer, product range and distribution channel.

Challenge costs and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.

Evaluate business cases and investment proposals.

Group Reporting & Head Office Liaison

Act as the primary finance contact between the UK and Irish businesses and the Group Finance team.

Prepare and submit monthly Group reporting packs within agreed deadlines.

Ensure compliance with Group accounting policies and procedures.

Support Group reporting requirements, including consolidation requests and ad hoc analysis.

Participate in regular finance reviews and meetings with Head Office.

Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

Manage cash flow and liquidity requirements.

Monitor debtor and creditor performance.

Optimise working capital and inventory management.

Oversee banking relationships and treasury activities.

Compliance & Governance

Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards, tax regulations and statutory requirements.

Manage VAT, Corporation Tax and PAYE compliance processes.

Maintain a strong internal control environment.

Support risk management and business continuity planning.

Systems & Process Improvement

Drive improvements in financial systems and reporting processes.

Support ERP and business system developments.

Enhance reporting automation and data quality.

Implement financial controls and process efficiencies.

Leverage AI technologies and system improvements to automate routine finance activities, increase process efficiency, enhance reporting quality, and support scalable business growth.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Timeliness and accuracy of monthly reporting.

Cash flow management and working capital performance.

Compliance with Group reporting deadlines.

Audit outcomes and control effectiveness.

Quality of financial support provided to business management.

Finance process efficiency and continuous improvement achievements.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

Strong technical accounting knowledge.

Essential Experience

Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior finance role.

Experience within an SME environment.

Experience in sales, distribution, wholesale or supply chain businesses.

Monthly management reporting and budgeting experience.

Experience working with international parent companies or multinational organisations.

Proven experience managing audits and statutory compliance.

Essential Skills

Strong financial and commercial acumen.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Advanced Excel and financial systems capability.

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on.

Effective relationship-building across different cultures and geographies.

Strong organisational and project management abilities.

Desirable Experience

Experience reporting to a Nordic or European parent company.

Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Business Central, IFS or similar.

Exposure to inventory-based businesses.

Knowledge of transfer pricing and intercompany accounting.

INDAB