Job Description Jan 2026 Position: Financial Controller Reports to: General Manager/Board Term: Permanent and full time
Primary purpose of role: The Financial Controller (Value & Governance) is responsible for protecting and growing shareholder value by improving profitability and cash generation, strengthening governance and financial discipline, and executing a 3-year financial and capital plan that enables dividends and shareholder ownership transition. This role leads the finance function end-to-end, including payroll and accounts, and acts as a trusted commercial partner to the Board and senior leadership team.
Role Description 1. Financial Performance & Cashflow Leadership
Own budgeting, forecasting, and rolling forecast processes Drive accountability for budget ownership and performance variances Lead gross margin, pricing discipline, and cost control initiatives Maintain a rolling 13-week cashflow forecast Optimise working capital (inventory, debtors, creditors)
3. Governance, Risk & Compliance
Strengthen financial governance, controls, and delegated authorities Ensure compliance with all statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements Lead audit, insurance, and risk management processes Prepare and present structured board reporting and recommendations Maintain clear documentation of financial policies and decision frameworks
Key Outcomes
Success in this role will be measured by:
Improved EBITDA and margin performance Strong, predictable cashflow and working capital control Timely, accurate, decision-ready financial reporting Mature governance and accountability frameworks Readiness and execution of shareholder transition funding A high-performing, well-controlled finance, payroll, and accounts team
4. Reporting & Systems Deliver accurate monthly management accounts within agreed timelines Produce a comprehensive monthly board pack including:
o P&L, balance sheet, cashflow o KPI dashboard and variance commentary
Ensure “one source of truth” for financial data and reporting Lead continuous improvement of financial systems and reporting capability
5. Payroll & Finance Operations
Overall accountability for accurate, compliant, and on-time payroll Ensure payroll controls, reconciliations, and statutory obligations are met Lead and develop the finance, payroll, and accounts teams Set clear KPIs for AP, AR, credit control, and month-end close Drive process improvement and automation within finance operations
8. People Governance & HR Oversight
Act as the senior, non-family escalation point for employment and people issues where independence and objectivity are required
Ensure employment matters are handled consistently, legally, and in line with company values and policies
Oversee HR frameworks including: o performance management o disciplinary processes o remuneration structures o role clarity and accountability
Support managers in handling people issues professionally and early, reducing risk and escalation Manage relationships with external HR advisors, legal counsel, and employment specialists as required Ensure compliance with employment legislation and minimise people-related risk to the business
6. Leadership & Business Partnership
Act as a commercial partner to the General Manager and leadership team Translate financial insights into clear, actionable business decisions Build strong working relationships across operations, sales, and supply chain Establish a culture of accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement within finance
7. Shareholder Value & Capital Strategy
Support sustainable dividend policy aligned with cashflow and banking requirements Assist & work with external advisors on financial planning for shareholder ownership transition. Provide clear, data-driven recommendations to shareholders on capital allocation and risk
Key Deliverables
13-week rolling cashflow forecast Monthly board pack and performance reporting Annual budget and rolling forecast updates Working capital dashboard Dividend and capital allocation plan Shareholder succession and funding plan Well-controlled, high-performing payroll and accounts function
Experience & Capability Required
Senior CFO or Financial Controller experience in a growth-focused SME or multi-entity business Strong cashflow, working capital, and treasury management capability Proven experience improving financial discipline and governance Comfortable operating hands-on while leading a team Experience working with shareholders, boards, and banks Demonstrated experience handling complex people and employment issues at a senior level Comfortable acting as an independent authority in sensitive situations Able to operate effectively in a family-owned business environment
Personal Attributes
Commercial, pragmatic, and outcome-focused Comfortable challenging assumptions and holding leaders accountable High integrity with strong judgement Structured thinker who brings clarity to complexity Confident communicator with non-financial leaders Calm, objective, and emotionally intelligent Comfortable having difficult conversations Trusted, fair, and respected by both leadership and staff