Financial Controller
Wells Performance Materials Limited
Location: Stone, Staffordshire (Emerald Way, Stone Business Park, ST15 0SR)
Salary: £50,000 per annum + 10% company contributory pension
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Closing date: 31st August 2026
About Us
Wells Performance Materials is the largest independent specialist additive masterbatch and compound manufacturer in the UK. Founded in 1984 and based across four sites in Stone, Staffordshire, we have spent over 42 years building a reputation for technical excellence. We supply the polymer processing industry globally — from the Americas to the Far East — with a 24/7 production operation and an annual capacity exceeding 8,000 tonnes.
As an ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and Silver EcoVadis-rated business, we are highly committed to sustainability and excellence. We are now seeking a forward-thinking, hands-on Financial Controller to lead our finance, HR, and administrative operations during our next stage of growth.
The Role
This is an incredibly diverse, hybrid leadership role designed for a commercially minded finance professional. Managing a company turnover of £19m and a total headcount of 60 employees, you will oversee the complete finance function while also guiding the company's HR, payroll, and general administration.
You will lead a tight-knit department comprising 2 accounts staff and act as a trusted operational advisor to the Managing Director (MD) and the wider executive team.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
- Take full ownership of core ledger workflows within the Access Financials system
- Prepare precise monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and KPI reporting packages for the executive team
- Manage international multi-currency ledgers, overseas banking transactions, and foreign exchange exposure
- Lead the annual budgeting cycle and orchestrate proactive daily cash management, working capital optimization, and forecasting
- Serve as the primary operational point of contact for commercial banks, insurance brokers, and external auditors
Payroll & HR Administration
- Take complete oversight of accurate, compliant weekly and monthly payroll cycles for all 60 employees
- Supervise operational HR procedures, including employment compliance, onboarding documentation, benefits tracking, and training records
Team Leadership & Modernisation
- Direct, mentor, and resource-plan for your team of 2 accounts staff.
- Champion continuous improvement by identifying and implementing AI tools to automate data entry, billing, and routine clerical workflows
- Work in close partnership with the executive team, providing occasional strategic data and high-level admin support to the MD
What We Are Looking For
- Proven track record as a Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager, ideally within a manufacturing environment
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA
- Highly tech-literate, ideally with direct experience using Access Financials or similar ERP software environments
- Proficient in use of MS suite of products: Excel, Word, Powerpoint
- An innovative, change-oriented approach with a strong interest in automated tools for process optimization
- Strong foundational understanding of multi-currency environments, combined UK payroll frameworks (weekly and monthly), and collaborative communication skills
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £50,000 per annum
- 10% company contributory pension scheme
- 33 days holiday per year (including statutory bank holidays)
- Comprehensive life insurance policy cover
- Complimentary corporate gym membership
Wells Performance Materials Limited is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background.
Pay: £50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Gym membership
- Life insurance
Work Location: In person
