Contract Financial Controller
Location: Kent
Contract Type: Temporary / Contract
Industry: Logistics / Supply Chain
Rate: Typically £28–£32 per hour (dependent on experience)
Overview
A leading logistics company in Kent is seeking an experienced Contract Financial Controller to provide financial leadership during a period of operational growth and change. This role is ideal for a hands-on, commercially minded finance professional with strong experience in logistics, distribution, or supply chain environments.
The successful candidate will take ownership of financial controls, reporting, budgeting, and operational finance partnering, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and performance visibility across the business.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Control & Governance
*Oversee all financial accounting processes, ensuring strong internal controls and compliance.
*Maintain integrity of the general ledger, balance sheet, and financial records.
*Manage accruals, prepayments, reconciliations, and month-end close processes.
*Ensure adherence to statutory requirements, audit standards, and financial policies.
Management Reporting
*Produce timely and accurate monthly management accounts.
*Deliver insightful variance analysis across cost centres, distribution hubs, and operational teams.
*Prepare financial summaries for senior leadership and stakeholders.
*Support board-level reporting with clear commentary and performance insights.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Cashflow
*Lead short-term forecasts and support the annual budgeting cycle.
*Monitor cashflow, working capital, and liquidity, identifying risk areas early.
*Provide scenario modelling to support operational and strategic decisions.
Business Partnering
*Work closely with Operations, Transport, Warehouse, and Customer Service teams.
*Analyse logistics cost drivers (fuel, fleet, labour, warehouse, subcontractors).
*Support continuous improvement initiatives across operational efficiency, cost control, and throughput planning.
*Communicate financial performance clearly to non-finance leaders.
Operational & Commercial Finance
*Oversee costing models, margin analysis, and customer profitability.
*Review and challenge supplier and transport-related spend.
*Support tender processes, pricing decisions, and contract profitability reviews.
*Drive accuracy around KPIs such as cost per pallet, cost per drop, and throughput margins.
Project & Change Support
*Lead or support finance-related projects (system upgrades, process improvements, automation).
*Strengthen reporting frameworks and streamline inefficient workflows.
*Assist with internal and external audit preparation.
Skills & Experience Required
*Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or QBE with significant experience.
*Prior experience in logistics, warehousing, transport, distribution, or FMCG supply-chain environments.
*Strong understanding of cost drivers within logistics operations.
*Advanced Excel and strong ERP experience (e.g., SAP, Sage, Dynamics, Oracle).
*Proven track record in financial control and operational partnering.
*Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.