The Organisation

Russam is supporting a growing, specialist manufacturing business in the appointment of a Financial Controller. This is a pivotal, hands-on role for a qualified finance professional who can combine robust financial control with clear commercial insight and effective team leadership.

Reporting to the Fractional CFO, you will take ownership of day-to-day financial operations, lead the finance team and ensure accurate, timely management information. You will also help strengthen controls, improve forecasting and make better use of the organisation’s ERP system as the business continues to develop.
This opportunity offers genuine scope to make an impact at an important stage of growth, with the potential for further progression over time.

Roles & Responsibilities 

• Management accounts: Prepare accurate monthly management accounts for the principal trading business and two smaller operations, including balance sheet reconciliations, fixed-asset accounting and month-end journals.
• Budgeting and forecasting: Support the preparation of annual budgets and rolling, integrated three-way forecasts covering the profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow.
• Cash flow: Produce and maintain weekly cash flow forecasts, tracking the key drivers of cash position and availability.
• Commercial insight: Develop useful reporting on project profitability, standard-cost variances, KPIs and performance against budget.
• Systems improvement: Own the financial aspects of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, improving controls, data quality and the accuracy of management information.
• Working capital: Oversee debtor collection, supplier payments and the effective operation of an invoice discounting facility.
• Team leadership: Lead and support the finance team across sales ledger, purchase ledger and payroll activities.
• Compliance and control: Maintain strong internal financial controls and ensure accurate, timely VAT, payroll tax, pension and other statutory submissions.
• Projects: Contribute to business improvement initiatives and other ad hoc financial projects.

The Desired Candidate

You will be a commercially minded, sleeves-rolled-up finance leader who is comfortable working at pace in an operational manufacturing environment. You will bring:

• A full professional accountancy qualification: ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
• Previous finance experience within a manufacturing business.
• Practical experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central; and working with a Standard Costing System.
• Experience managing an invoice discounting facility.
• A strong track record of producing management accounts, forecasts and cash flow reporting.
• Experience leading and developing a finance team.
• A proactive, collaborative and grounded approach, with the judgement to challenge constructively and communicate clearly.