Financial Controller

My client, a fast-growing European FMCG business, are looking to recruit a commercial savvy, technically strong Financial Controller to join their brand new office in Manchester.

This pivotal role will support both manufacturing and commercial operations, and is perfect for someone who thrives on ensuring financial integrity, driving process improvements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver outstanding results.

The successful candidate will play a key part in maintaining robust financial controls, overseeing compliance, and providing valuable insights that support strategic decision-making across the business.

With a focus on continuous improvement and transformation, this position offers the chance to make a real impact while working alongside knowledgeable colleagues in a supportive environment.

What you'll do:

• Maintain a strong internal control environment across all aspects of manufacturing and commercial finance, ensuring strict adherence to company policies as well as accounting standards such as IFRS or UK GAAP.
• Ensure full compliance with statutory, regulatory, and corporate governance requirements by leading initiatives that strengthen financial controls and mitigate risk.
• Oversee documentation and rigorous testing of financial controls to enhance governance processes throughout the organisation.
• Own and manage comprehensive month-end and year-end close processes, guaranteeing timely and accurate reporting for senior stakeholders.
• Review and approve journal entries, accruals, prepayments, intercompany transactions, and ensure the completeness of financial data within ERP systems.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors by coordinating audit planning, execution, deliverables, and managing queries efficiently.
• Support statutory reporting requirements by preparing audit schedules and supporting documentation for both manufacturing and commercial areas.
• Partner closely with Supply Chain and Operations teams to oversee inventory accounting processes including valuation, provisions, write-offs, reconciliations, cycle counts, and physical inventory checks.
• Maintain full ownership of balance sheet integrity by reviewing reconciliations across key accounts such as inventory, accruals, provisions, fixed assets, resolving aged items promptly.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement by driving standardisation, automation of finance processes, supporting system upgrades or ERP optimisation initiatives.

What you bring:

• Demonstrated expertise in establishing strong financial controls with a deep understanding of compliance frameworks and risk management principles relevant to manufacturing or commercial environments.
• Proven track record managing end-to-end month-end close processes along with experience handling external audits from planning through resolution of findings.
• Comprehensive knowledge of inventory accounting methods including valuation techniques, provisions management, write-offs handling as well as reconciliation procedures aligned with supply chain operations.
• Hands-on experience using ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or Dynamics for financial reporting purposes coupled with an aptitude for leveraging technology to improve accuracy or scalability.
• Exceptional analytical skills combined with excellent organisational abilities enabling you to solve problems efficiently while maintaining attention to detail under tight deadlines.
• Outstanding stakeholder management capabilities supported by clear communication skills that foster collaboration between finance teams and other business units like Supply Chain or Commercial departments.
• A proactive mindset focused on continuous improvement—identifying opportunities for process enhancement or transformation within finance functions—and promoting best practices across the board.
• Leadership qualities marked by accountability; able to guide junior team members while taking responsibility for critical outcomes such as balance sheet integrity or audit readiness.
• Commercial awareness that allows you to provide constructive challenge or guidance aimed at improving profitability or cost control measures within operational settings.
• A desire not only to report numbers but also understand underlying issues; correct processes where necessary; communicate changes effectively to partners ensuring shared understanding.

To apply for this fantastic opportunity, please get in touch today!

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates