Full job description An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Financial Controller to take ownership of the finance function within an established, privately owned engineering and manufacturing business. Operating across multiple companies, this successful organisation offers the opportunity to work closely with its directors, playing an integral role in maintaining financial control and supporting the continued development of the business.
This position would suit an accomplished Financial Controller, Head of Finance or experienced Finance Manager who enjoys the variety and autonomy of working within an SME environment. You will combine strong technical accounting expertise with a practical, hands-on approach, taking responsibility for the day-to-day finance function whilst providing meaningful financial insight to the leadership team.
Job Title: Financial Controller
Location: Weybridge | Office based
Salary: Up to £100,000
Type: Permanent
Reference: 16194
THIS POSITION IS FULLY OFFICE BASED IN WEYBRIDGE.
Financial Controller – Benefits
* 22 days’ holiday.
* Formal bonus scheme, alongside discretionary spot bonuses throughout the year.
* Regular pay reviews and appraisals.
* Auto-enrolment pension scheme.
* On-site car parking.
Financial Controller – About the role
Reporting directly to the senior leadership team, you will have full responsibility for the accounting and financial reporting functions across a multi-company organisation. Managing a small, established finance team of two, you will ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information whilst maintaining effective controls and supporting the operational needs of the business.
This is a varied, hands-on position offering genuine autonomy and the opportunity to contribute to the wider business. Your responsibilities will include:
* Taking ownership of the month-end process, preparing monthly management accounts, financial reports and commentary for the Board.
* Managing budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis to support commercial and operational decision-making.
* Overseeing the day-to-day accounting function, including nominal ledgers, journals, balance sheet reconciliations, purchase ledger, sales ledger and credit control.
* Preparing year-end financial information and acting as the key contact for external accountants, auditors and HMRC.
* Managing VAT compliance, including deferred VAT and import duty arrangements, and supporting R&D tax claims.
* Overseeing cashflow, banking arrangements, multi-currency transactions and financial controls.
* Working closely with operational teams to ensure accurate accounting information flows from manufacturing and ERP systems.
* Leading and developing two members of the finance team, providing support whilst remaining actively involved in the accounting function.
* Reviewing and improving financial processes, controls and reporting to support the future needs of the business.
Financial Controller – About you
You will be an experienced finance professional who enjoys taking full ownership of an accounting function and being closely involved in the day-to-day financial operations of a business. Comfortable operating independently, you will combine technical expertise with a pragmatic, approachable style and the confidence to work directly with senior stakeholders.
You will bring:
* A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), or substantial experience gained through a qualified-by-experience route.
* A proven background as a Financial Controller, Head of Finance or Finance Manager, ideally within an SME or owner-managed business.
* Strong technical accounting skills, including management accounts, financial reporting, reconciliations and financial controls.
* Experience within engineering, manufacturing or another operationally focused business environment would be advantageous.
* A genuine hands-on approach, with the willingness to remain involved in the detail of the accounting function.
* Experience of managing and developing a small finance team.
* Strong accounting systems knowledge, ideally including Sage or an ERP environment, alongside good Excel skills.
* A stable employment background


This opportunity will particularly appeal to someone who values autonomy, enjoys the breadth of an SME finance role and wants to make a meaningful contribution within an established business.
Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role and comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics. Due to the high volume of applications we currently receive, we are unable to respond to all candidates. If you do not hear from a Consultant within 5 working days, please assume that you have not been successful.
Refer a friend
If this job is not of interest to you, but you know a friend or colleague who may be interested, recommend them to us and receive a minimum of £100 in vouchers if we assist them in securing a permanent role and a minimum of £25 in vouchers if we place them in a temporary assignment. (Terms & conditions apply)