Financial Controller

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Financial Controller to support a manufacturing organisation through a period of growth and operational change. This is a hands on role with strategic responsibility, overseeing financial operations, planning, reporting, and commercial decision support. You'll partner closely with operations, sales, and technical teams, while shaping forward looking financial strategy and supporting long term growth initiatives. This is a contract role for around 3 6 months. The office is based in Southampton, with 1 day a week working from home.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead financial control, reporting, budgeting, and forecasting
• Define annual financial metrics and support long term (5 year) planning
• Support cost analysis for bids, proposals, and COGS improvement
• Oversee cash flow, working capital, and banking relationships
• Manage statutory filings (incl. Companies House) and audit readiness
• Support equity reporting and future capital structure planning
• Provide commercial input into bids, pricing, and project costings
• Work across business functions to align financial and operational performance
• Develop capability across the finance team
• Evaluate M&A opportunities and strategic partnerships
• Ensure financial systems (e.g., NetSuite, PowerBI) are scalable and effective

About You

Essential:

• Proven experience as a Financial Controller in manufacturing
• Ability to work both strategically and hands on
• Strong financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting skills
• Good cross functional communication and business partnering experience

Desirable:

• Experience supporting M&A or corporate transactions
• Multi site or international finance exposure
• ERP + PowerBI experience

Personal Attributes

• High energy and proactive mindset
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Comfortable working in a fast moving environment
• 'Player-coach' leadership style with executive presence

This is an urgent requirement with interviews taking place immediately. Candidates must be available to start at short notice.