Head of Finance (Financial Controller)

Head of Finance (Financial Controller) | Manufacturing & Distribution

Warrington | £70,000 - £75,000 plus Bonus, Company Car & Excellent Benefits

The Opportunity

Zachary Daniels Finance are delighted to be partnering with an established international manufacturing and distribution business to appoint a Head of Finance (Financial Controller) for their UK operation based in Warrington.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director and working closely with an established Group Finance function, this is the senior finance position for the UK business.

While the contractual title is Financial Controller, the remit is very much that of a Head of Finance. This is an opportunity to become a trusted commercial partner, providing the insight that helps drive better business decisions across sales, operations, and the wider leadership team.

We're looking for someone who doesn't simply report the numbers, but explains them. Someone who enjoys identifying trends, highlighting opportunities, challenging assumptions and helping the leadership team make better commercial decisions.

If you're someone who enjoys asking "why?", improving reporting and adding genuine commercial value, this could be an outstanding next step.

The Role

Leading a small finance team, you'll take ownership of the entire UK finance function while partnering closely with colleagues across Europe.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading all aspects of the finance function, ensuring robust financial controls and accurate reporting.
• Producing monthly management accounts, forecasts and budgets for both UK leadership and Group Finance.
• Providing commercial insight and analysis to support strategic decision making.
• Developing meaningful sales, margin and profitability reporting to identify trends and opportunities.
• Monitoring customer rebates and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Overseeing credit control, purchasing and cash management.
• Managing month end close and statutory reporting requirements.
• Supporting payroll, employee benefits, company car administration and wider HR administration.
• Working closely with external auditors, HMRC and banking partners.
• Developing processes, improving reporting and continuously strengthening financial controls.
• Leading and developing a small finance team.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced Financial Controller, Head of Finance or Finance Manager who enjoys being involved in the detail but is equally comfortable influencing senior stakeholders.

You'll ideally bring:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Experience leading a finance function within manufacturing, distribution, wholesale or another product-led business.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to interpret financial data and influence decision making.
• Experience of management reporting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Excellent Excel and analytical skills.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with strong attention to detail.
• Confidence communicating with stakeholders across all levels of the business, including international colleagues.

We're looking for someone who enjoys partnering with operational leaders, providing commercial insight and influencing business performance. Industry experience is less important than the ability to add value through strong analysis, commercial thinking and relationship building.

The Package

• £70,000 to £75,000 basic salary
• 10-15% annual bonus
• Company car
• Private family healthcare
• Pension
• Life assurance
• Hybrid working

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to become a genuine business partner to the Managing Director rather than simply producing financial reports.

You'll join a successful international business with the backing of a larger international group while retaining the autonomy and influence that comes with leading finance for the UK operation.

Zachary Daniels

Zachary Daniels is a Niche, National & International Recruitment Consultancy.

Specialising in Retail, Consumer, Leisure, Hospitality, Supply Chain, Facilities Management and Executive Search.

Our client welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

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