Finance Manager / Controller

The Financial Controller will be responsible for managing the financial operations of a group of engineering services businesses, ensuring accurate reporting, robust financial controls, and strategic financial planning. This role requires a hands-on approach to financial management, working closely with operational teams to drive profitability, cash flow efficiency, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities 

Financial Reporting & Control

• Oversee and support the preparation of monthly management accounts for each business unit and consolidated group accounts.
• Ensure timely submission of statutory accounts in compliance with UK GAAP
• Lead the monthly financial close process, ensuring accuracy in revenue recognition, cost allocation, and accruals.
• Conduct variance analysis against budgets and provide actionable insights to management.
• Maintain a strong general ledger structure, ensuring accuracy in financial transactions and reconciliations 

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning

• Develop and oversee annual budgets and rolling financial forecasts for each business unit.
• Work with operational teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and margin improvements.
• Monitor and report on KPIs, cash flow, and working capital, ensuring proactive management.
• Support the CFO in strategic planning, investment decisions, and acquisitions.

Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Oversee cash flow forecasting, ensuring the group has adequate liquidity for operations and growth.
• Manage banking relationships, ensuring compliance with loan covenants and funding requirements.
• Ensure effective credit control and debtor management, reducing aged debt and improving collections 
• Oversee supplier payments and creditor management, balancing cash flow needs with operational requirements.

Financial Compliance & Taxation

• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, including VAT, Corporation Tax, and PAYE.
• Oversee monthly VAT returns and payroll tax submissions, ensuring timely payments.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, audit requirements, and statutory regulations.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies as required.

Process Improvement & Systems Development

• Implement and maintain financial controls to prevent errors, fraud, and inefficiencies.
• Improve financial reporting automation and efficiency, optimizing accounting software and ERP systems.
• Lead the implementation of new processes, policies, and best practices across the group.
• Support M&A due diligence and integration of newly acquired businesses into the group’s financial framework.
• Support the transition of new acquisitions and current group in the standardisation of systems and processes

Qualifications / Skills

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with 2+ years of experience in a similar role.
• Strong experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow management.
• Experience with SME businesses
• Previous experience in a multi-entity business, ideally within engineering, manufacturing, or construction. However Service businesses will be considered
• Hands-on experience with ERP/accounting systems (e.g. Odoo, Sage, SAP, NetSuite, Xero).
• Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards, tax compliance, and financial regulations.
• Ability to interpret financial data and provide strategic insights to non-financial stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of job costing, WIP accounting, and project-based financial reporting.

Details

• £55,000 + £5,000 bonus (Group performance)
• 25 days holidays + bank holidays
• High end office environment
• Death in service 3 X Salary
• Employee Assistance program
• Pension contributions 3% Employer 5% Employee
• Flexible working options 4 office 1 home
• Up to 20 hours paid volunteering time
• Cycle to work scheme