Financial Controller

Financial Controller
East Lancashire (Hybrid)
£80,000 - £90,000 + Bonus + Clear Path to FD

This is a rare opportunity to step into a number one finance role with a PE-backed SME group that's on a serious growth trajectory. Reporting directly to the MD, this is the first hire at this level and a genuinely pivotal position where you'll shape the finance function and play a key part in the next phase of expansion.

The business is growing fast through acquisitions, and they're looking for the right person, not just the right CV. This is a culture fit role as much as a technical one. They've built a friendly, people led environment with some really good people already in place, and they want to keep that momentum going while scaling up. So they need someone who's ambitious, wants to grow with the business, and will roll their sleeves up but also someone who's passionate, collaborative, and ego free.

If you're the right fit, there's serious scope to step up into an FD position within the next 2 years. This isn't just a FC role, it's a good career defining opportunity.

What You'll Be Doing

This is a hands-on, strategic role where you'll own the finance function end-to-end. Key areas include:

• M&A and integration - lead due diligence, pull together deal financials, support post acquisition integration. This is a big part of the role as the business continues to acquire, so experience in M&A is a big plus.
• Flash reporting and management accounts - own the monthly flash figures, pull meaningful insights from the data, and present clear P&L support to the MD and board.
• Statutory accounts and consolidation - manage year-end, group consolidations, and ensure everything is tight from a compliance perspective.
• PE-backed reporting - produce board packs, investor updates, and the kind of high-level MI that PE-backed businesses need. Experience in a PE-backed environment would be a big plus also.
• Team leadership - coach and develop the existing finance team, bringing seniority and structure without losing the collaborative culture.
• Commercial partnership - work closely with the senior leaders on strategy, forecasting, budgeting, and identifying risks and opportunities.

What We're Looking For

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified
• Strong financial control experience in an SME group setting
• M&A experience - due diligence, integration, deal support (this is high on their list)
• PE-backed exposure - comfortable with the pace, reporting requirements, and governance that comes with PE ownership
• Consolidation experience - group accounts, multi-entity environments
• Proficient in Excel and cloud accounting systems (Xero or similar)
• Strong technical knowledge across management accounts, statutory accounts, and reporting

This is as much about who you are as what you've done. They want someone who fits the culture, shares their values, and is excited about being part of a business that's moving forward.

The Package

• Salary: £80,000 - £90,000 (depending on experience)
• Bonus: Under internal discussion - details to be confirmed
• Working pattern: Hybrid - typically 2-3 days from home, flexible on the exact setup
• Career progression: Clear path to FD within 2 years for the right person

If you're looking for a role where you can really get stuck in, help a business move forward, and grow your career along the way, this could be the one.

Applications are now open via Platinum Recruitment. For more information, contact Rob at Platinum