About the Company
Our client is a scaling PE backed service business in the Preston area who are entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation. With a focus on strengthening its operational and financial infrastructure to support future expansion, Sowena Group have been retained to recruit for a Financial Controller.
The Role
Reporting to the Finance Director, the Financial Controller will lead transformation of the finance function. This is a high-impact role focused on embedding strong governance, improving reporting capability and building scalable financial processes to support continued growth.
This position offers a clear pathway to Finance Director designation for the right individual, making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to step into a broader leadership role. The successful candidate will take ownership of financial control, reporting and systems, while supporting strategic decision-making across the business. This is a hands-on role requiring someone comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Key Responsibilities
Ownership of the month-end close process
Produce high quality monthly management reporting for senior stakeholders
Deliver insightful financial analysis, including performance tracking and variance analysis
Business partnering with operational teams to support profitability and cost management
Lead the implementation of a new accounting system and oversee the system integration to ensure accurate and efficient reporting
Review and improve finance processes to improve control and efficiency
Develop systems and reporting frameworks to support future growth
Design and implement appropriate financial controls and governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
Maintain strong balance sheet oversight, including cash flow and working capital management
Act as the key contact for external advisors and audit processes
Lead annual budgeting and forecasting, including cashflow forecasting
Support strategic planning, scenario planning and financial modelling
Manage and develop the finance team, promoting accountability, accuracy and continuous improvement
About You
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
Experience in a hands-on role in a growing or mid-sized business environment
Proven track record of finance transformation or systems implementation
Strong commercial awareness with the ability to translate financial data into insight
Advanced Excel skills and strong systems capability
Confident communicator with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
Experience using Xero would be beneficial
Why This Role?
Clear progression path to Finance Director in a PE backed business
Opportunity to shape and build a finance function
Strategic involvement in business growth and decision-making
