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