Financial Controller

Financial ControllerFixed Term Contract 14 months | Immediate Start | Cheshire based 3 days on site/2 WFH | £75k-90k + completion bonusAre you an experienced Financial Controller who is immediately available and looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact from day one?We are looking to speak with high calibre qualified accountants for a senior Financial Controller opportunity within an established and commercially focused business.Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this is a key leadership position within the finance function. You will take ownership of the day-to-day finance operation, ensuring the business receives accurate, timely and insightful financial information while continuing to strengthen its reporting, controls and processes.This is not simply a month-end reporting role. We are looking for someone who can quickly get underneath the numbers, challenge performance, support senior stakeholders and identify opportunities to improve the way finance operates.The roleAs Financial Controller, you will take responsibility for a broad finance remit including:Ownership and review of monthly management accounts, forecasts and financial reportingPreparation and oversight of half-year and year-end reportingStatutory accounts preparation under IFRS and UK GAAPCoordination and oversight of the external audit processLeadership of the annual budgeting processProviding meaningful variance analysis, trends and financial insight to senior managementChallenging financial and operational performance where results differ from budget or forecastImproving the quality, accuracy and speed of management informationReviewing and strengthening financial systems, processes and internal controlsCash flow, working capital and treasury managementCorporation tax, deferred tax and VAT complianceSupporting the Finance Director with M&A activity and other commercial projectsIdentifying opportunities to streamline, automate and improve finance processesLeading, coaching and developing the finance teamThere are a number of finance improvement projects already underway, so this role will particularly suit someone who enjoys getting involved, identifying what can be done better and driving change through to completion.What we are looking forYou will be a qualified accountant, ACA, ACCA or CIMA, with several years' post-qualification experience gained within industry.More importantly, you will be someone who can arrive in a business and establish credibility quickly.You are likely to demonstrate:Strong Financial Controller experience within a commercially focused environmentExcellent technical accounting knowledgeStrong management reporting, budgeting and forecasting experienceExperience of statutory reporting and external auditStrong Excel and financial systems capabilityThe ability to analyse information and turn it into meaningful commercial insightConfidence working with and challenging non-finance stakeholdersStrong leadership and people-development skillsA proactive, hands-on and solutions-focused approachThe ability to manage competing priorities and deliver against tight deadlinesA track record of improving finance processes, controls and reportingWhy consider this opportunity?For an immediately available Financial Controller, this represents the opportunity to step into a genuinely influential finance position rather than simply providing short-term cover.You will work closely with the Finance Director, lead an established finance team and have the opportunity to influence reporting, controls, commercial decision-making and the continued development of the finance function.The business needs someone who can hit the ground running, bring structure and credibility, and quickly become a trusted member of the senior finance team.If you are a qualified Financial Controller who is immediately available or coming to the end of your current assignment, we would be very interested in speaking with you.