Group Financial Controller

Group Financial Controller — WSCS International£65,000–£70,000 | Kidderminster | Opportunity to Progress to Finance DirectorContract: Full-time, permanent, on-siteReporting to: Managing DirectorOur storyWSCS International supplies packaging and supply chain solutions to major quick-service restaurant brands. We are a fast-growing international business entering an exciting stage of development, including the establishment of our new manufacturing facility in Kidderminster. We are investing in systems, processes and people to support our next phase of growth. This role offers an ambitious accountant the opportunity to join us at an important stage, make an immediate practical contribution and develop their responsibilities and team as the business grows.The roleWe are looking for a qualified accountant with manufacturing experience who enjoys getting involved in the detail and making things work.Your initial focus will be to take ownership of day-to-day financial management, deliver reliable monthly accounts, maintain clear visibility of cash and ensure our accounting processes run efficiently.Working directly with the Managing Director, you will combine sound financial control with a practical, systems-based approach. You will help us make effective use of Hudl, our Odoo-based business platform, reducing manual work and improving the quality and availability of financial information.As activity grows, you will have the opportunity to develop the finance function and recruit additional support, with scope to build a team in India.Key responsibilitiesTake ownership of the accounting records and month-end process, preparing accurate monthly management accounts for the UK business and consolidated group accounts.Maintain balance sheet reconciliations, including bank accounts, debtors, creditors, stock, intercompany balances and foreign currency accounts.Oversee sales and purchase ledger activity, credit control, payment runs and day-to-day banking, providing hands-on support where needed.Maintain a rolling cash flow forecast and manage working capital, highlighting funding needs and potential issues early.Coordinate reporting from overseas companies and work with local accountants to ensure records are complete and reconciled.Act as the main contact for our external accountants, preparing year-end schedules and coordinating statutory accounts, tax work and relevant filings. The group is not currently subject to an external audit.Prepare budgets and update forecasts, providing clear explanations of performance against expectations.Work with the Kidderminster factory team on product costing, stock control and valuation, manufacturing costs and production variances.Provide practical analysis of customer and product margins to support pricing and purchasing decisions.Improve finance processes within Hudl, strengthening controls, reducing duplicate entry and making reporting more efficient.Document clear procedures and develop appropriate finance support as the business expands.The candidateEssentialA fully qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.Practical experience preparing management accounts and maintaining accurate accounting records, ideally within an SME.Some manufacturing finance experience, including an understanding of product costing and stock accounting.Confidence managing cash flow, reconciliations, budgets and year-end preparation.Strong Excel skills and experience using an integrated accounting or ERP system.A hands-on, organised approach, with the ability to work independently and follow tasks through to completion.An interest in improving systems and processes, alongside the discipline to ensure the underlying numbers are right.The confidence to communicate clearly with colleagues, external accountants and the Managing Director.Willingness to work on site in Kidderminster and build close relationships with the operational team.DesirableExperience with multi-company accounts, foreign currencies and group consolidation.Familiarity with importing, distribution or international supply chains.Experience with Odoo or a similar ERP platform.Experience supervising colleagues or coordinating finance support overseas.Who would suit this opportunity?You may already be a Financial Controller in a smaller business, or a strong Management Accountant or Finance Manager ready to take broader responsibility.You will be comfortable moving between preparing a reconciliation, resolving a system issue, reviewing factory costs and discussing cash requirements with the Managing Director. You will enjoy improving how the business works and have the ambition to grow with it.What we offerA salary of £65,000–£70,000, depending on experience.Direct access to the Managing Director and the opportunity to see the impact of your work.Ownership of a varied finance role within a developing international business.The opportunity to shape our finance processes and build additional team capacity as required.Scope for greater responsibility and career advancement as the business grows.