Role Overview
The Financial Controller will play a key role in managing the day-to-day financial operations of a specialist vehicle conversion business. Operating across manufacturing, inventory-intensive operations, and project-based revenue streams, the Financial Controller will support financial performance, cash flow management, and operational reporting across the full conversion lifecycle—from base vehicle procurement through to completed vehicle delivery.
The role will also oversee and support a small accounts team of two employees, ensuring accurate financial processing, reporting, and continuous improvement within the finance function.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
- Prepare and oversee monthly management accounts with detailed margin analysis per build/project
- Produce accurate and timely financial reporting
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning processes
- Assist with revenue recognition and project accounting where applicable
- Oversee weekly salary and payroll
- Manage and create monthly creditor payment schedule
Costing & Margin Control
- Maintain robust product costing models (materials, labour, overhead absorption)
- Monitor and analyse gross margins across conversion types
- Review variances in build cost, labour efficiency, and material usage
- Support pricing and tender submissions with accurate cost information
Cash Flow & Working Capital
- Manage day-to-day cash flow across long working capital cycles (vehicle purchase → conversion → delivery)
- Oversee inventory reporting including base vehicles, parts, and work in progress (WIP and quarterly stock take)
- Support working capital optimisation including supplier terms and customer milestone billing
- Assist in managing relationships with banks, lenders, finance providers and customers
Operational Finance
- Work closely with operations teams to improve efficiency and cost control
- Track and report on key operational and manufacturing KPIs
- Improve visibility and reporting of WIP and project profitability
- Support finance system and ERP improvements where required
Controls, Compliance & Risk
- Maintain strong financial controls across purchasing, inventory, and production processes
- Ensure compliance with VAT, tax, payroll, and statutory requirements
- Support year-end audit and statutory accounts preparation
- Monitor financial risks relating to project delivery, cost overruns, and supply chain challenges
Team Leadership
- Oversee and support the accounts team of two employees, ensuring workload management, development, and accuracy of processing
- Review and improve finance processes, controls, and reporting procedures
- Promote a collaborative and commercially focused finance function
- Provide hands-on support across all areas of finance when required
Key Skills & Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by experience
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller, Senior Management Accountant, or similar role within manufacturing, automotive, or engineering
- Strong understanding of project accounting, WIP, and inventory management
- Experience with product costing and margin analysis
- Familiarity with vehicle funding, asset finance, or stock financing is advantageous
- SME or operational business experience preferred
- Strong systems and Excel skills, ideally with ERP/manufacturing systems exposure
Key Competencies
- Commercially aware with strong analytical skills
- Hands-on and detail-oriented approach
- Strong organisational and team management capability
- Ability to communicate effectively with operational and senior management teams
- Proactive problem-solving mindset with the ability to work in a fast-paced production environment
Performance Measures
- Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting
- Gross margin and costing accuracy
- Cash flow and working capital performance
- Operational KPI reporting and improvements
- Effectiveness and development of the accounts team
Desirable Experience
- Experience in vehicle conversion, coachbuilding, or specialist manufacturing
- Exposure to project-based or contract/tender-driven revenue models
- Experience supporting business growth or process improvement initiatives
- ERP implementation or finance transformation exposure
Pay: £75,000.00-£100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
