Financial Controller

Sowena Group is assisting an international private equity-backed FMCG company in Greater Manchester to find a Financial Controller for a newly established role. This profitable organisation offers a unique opportunity to participate in a sale process expected to conclude within the next 12-18 months. The ideal candidate will be an ambitious ACA seeking to advance towards a Finance Director position under a skilled CFO. Responsibilities include financial reporting, managing the budgeting process, overseeing compliance, and leading a finance team. The competitive salary ranges from £70,000 to £80,000, along with performance bonuses and potential equity participation.

Sowena Group has been retained by an international market leading private equity backed FMCG group with the search for a newly created Financial Controller role based in Greater Manchester.

This highly profitable group boasts a unique opportunity to gain experience to play a key part of a sale process within an exciting sector. With the deal concluding within the next 12-18 months, we are looking for an ambitious ACA candidate who is looking to continue through to the next private equity cycle and being mentored into becoming a future Finance Director within PE.

Working underneath an exceptional CFO, this will be a very hands on and varied role across the financial, commercial and operations side of the business whilst managing a small team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting & Control:
• Lead the preparation and delivery of accurate monthly financial accounts, including management reports, P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow. o Oversee the preparation of the statutory accounts, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP and other relevant regulations. o Develop and implement robust financial control procedures to ensure the accuracy of financial data.
• Manage and improve internal reporting systems to ensure that decisionmakers have the financial insights needed to support business strategy.
• Exit/Sale Process:
• Take an active role in the company’s exit or sale process, providing financial analysis and due diligence support. o Collaborate with the senior leadership team, private equity investors, and external advisors to manage the financial aspects of the transaction. o Support in the preparation of financial models and forecasts required for investor discussions and negotiations.
• Budgeting and Forecasting:
• Lead the annual budgeting process and produce detailed financial forecasts, working closely with department heads. o Track and report on budget variances, offering insights into potential corrective actions.
• Team Leadership and Development:
• Manage and mentor the finance team, driving a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

o Provide training and support to junior team members, ensuring high standards of financial reporting and control are maintained.

• Tax & Compliance:
• Oversee any corporate tax compliance, managing VAT, PAYE, and other statutory requirements.
• Systems & Process Improvement:
• Identify and implement improvements in the finance function, including ERP systems and financial processes, to enhance efficiency and accuracy. o Work alongside IT and operations teams to ensure the finance systems align with the company’s strategic objectives. o A strong team player with leadership experience and a track record of mentoring junior staff.

Package:

• Competitive salary of £70,000 – £80,000 (flexible)
• Company/personal performance-related bonus.
• Potential future equity participation in the business.
• Exposure to an exciting, fast-growing business with a clear growth trajectory.
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development in a high-profile, private equity-backed environment.