Financial Controller

Location : Telford (Office Based) Salary : £45,000 – £55,000 per annum (dependent on experience) Job Type : Full-Time, Permanent A growing manufacturing business and market leader within its sector. Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Financial Controller to take ownership of the finance function and provide strategic financial support to the Managing Director and senior leadership team. This is a key appointment within the business and will suit an ambitious finance professional who enjoys working in a hands‑on SME environment, partnering with operational teams and contributing directly to business performance and growth. Please note: This is an office-based role in Telford and applicants must have significant hands‑on experience using Sage Accounting and Sage Purchasing systems. The Role Reporting directly to the Managing Director and General Manager, you will be responsible for the day‑to‑day management of the finance function whilst providing timely and accurate financial information to support decision‑making across the business. You will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, payroll, purchasing controls and manufacturing cost analysis, whilst ensuring the business remains compliant with all statutory and regulatory requirements. Key Responsibilities Financial Management & Reporting Production of accurate monthly management accounts including detailed commentary and KPI reporting. Lead the month‑end and year‑end close process. Preparation of annual budgets, forecasts and reforecasts. Monthly variance analysis against budget and forecast. Preparation and monitoring of weekly and monthly cash flow forecasts. Management of working capital, debtor days and creditor days. Monitoring and reporting on profitability, margins and business performance. Maintain the fixed asset register. Manufacturing & Commercial Finance Ownership of manufacturing cost models and product costing. Analysis of material costs, labour costs and manufacturing efficiencies. Reporting on manufacturing KPIs including gross margins, stock accuracy, labour efficiency and material utilisation. Assist management in identifying opportunities for cost reduction and profit improvement. Support strategic business decisions through financial analysis and commercial insight. Sage Accounting & Purchasing Full ownership and administration of Sage Accounting and Sage Purchasing systems. Ensure accurate integration and reporting between Sage Purchasing and Sage Accounting. Manage purchasing controls, approval processes and supplier records. Review purchasing performance and procurement reporting. Drive continuous improvement of financial and purchasing processes. Stock & Purchasing Oversee stock control processes and stock valuation. Manage and review stock takes. Analyse stock consumption and report on cost increases, decreases and margin impacts. Oversee purchasing and goods receipt processes to ensure accuracy and control. Payroll & Compliance Full responsibility for payroll processing and compliance. Manage pension submissions and payroll‑related reporting. Preparation and submission of VAT returns and other statutory filings. Ensure compliance with HMRC and regulatory requirements. Liaise with external accountants, auditors and professional advisers. Oversee all tax and regulatory compliance matters. Team Management Manage, support and develop the Accounts Assistant. Provide cover for the Accounts Assistant during periods of absence. Ensure robust financial controls and procedures are maintained throughout the business. Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability and continuous improvement. General Responsibilities Review debtors and creditors and authorise payments. Manage company insurance, utilities and fixed costs. Monitor company credit card expenditure and expenses. Assist with supplier account setup and ongoing administration. Identify and implement process improvements across the finance function. Essential Skills & Experience Minimum 3 years' experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or Senior Management Accountant role. Significant hands‑on experience with Sage Accounting. Significant hands‑on experience with Sage Purchasing. Manufacturing industry experience. Experience producing monthly management accounts. Budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management experience. Experience managing payroll. Experience of stock valuation and manufacturing costing. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP and financial reporting. Strong commercial awareness and analytical ability. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities. Desirable Qualifications ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualified. Qualified by experience candidates with substantial manufacturing and Sage expertise will also be considered. Benefits Employee discount scheme. On‑site parking. Company pension. 28 days annual leave including Bank Holidays. Monday to Friday working. No weekend working. Applications without proven Sage Accounting and Sage Purchasing experience will not be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr