The Opportunity
Elite Search Associates are delighted to be partnering with a respected and leading organisation in Carlisle seeking to appoint a Financial Controller to take ownership of the finance function, working closely with the Director and Senior Management Team.
This is an opportunity for an experienced Financial Controller who wants visibility, influence and autonomy—someone who can combine strong financial control with commercial thinking and use financial insight to genuinely shape business decisions.
You won't feel removed from the operation, instead work closely with the commercial and operational teams, providing practical financial insight across profitability, project performance, cash flow and sustainable growth.
Why This Role Stands Out
For the right person, this is an opportunity to become a key voice within a growing business.
You'll have ownership of the full finance function, with the scope to strengthen controls, improve reporting, influence commercial decisions and support the organisation's continued growth.
Reporting directly to the Director, you'll have genuine senior-level exposure and the opportunity to ensure finance isn't simply reporting what has happened, but helping determine what happens next.
This role will particularly suit a Financial Controller who enjoys operating at both levels—strategically with senior leadership and practically within the detail when required.
Key Responsibilities
You'll lead the financial strategy and overall financial control of the business, with responsibility for:
- Budgeting, forecasting, long-term financial planning and commercial insight.
- Monthly and annual management accounts with clear, meaningful commentary.
- Using financial information to improve commercial and operational decision-making.
- Cash flow, working capital and banking relationships.
- Financial controls, governance and compliance.
- Tax, VAT, CIS, payroll, P11Ds and other statutory obligations.
- Finance systems, including Sage.
- External advisers, banks and insurers.
- Advising on grants, levies and funding opportunities, including CITB obligations.
- Leading and developing the finance team and driving continuous improvement.
Experience Required
You'll be a fully qualified accountant—ACA, ACCA or CIMA—with proven experience in a similar senior finance role. With knowledge of the Construction industry, a strong understanding of project costs, margins, subcontractors, CIS, cash flow and the commercial pressures behind the numbers.
You'll also bring:
- Strong hands-on financial experience and extensive CIS knowledge.
- Experience producing management accounts and providing insight to senior leaders.
- Experience managing cash flow, working capital and financial risk.
- Confidence operating as part of a Senior Leadership Team.
- Strong systems capability, including Sage and Microsoft packages.
- The ability to work independently and take genuine ownership.
- Payroll experience, with CIPP or equivalent desirable.
Just as importantly, you'll be able to translate finance into commercial language, confidently challenge and influence colleagues outside of finance, and communicate financial information clearly across the business.
The Person
This isn't a purely technical Financial Controller position. It's for someone who enjoys having a voice, getting involved and making improvements.
You'll be credible, commercially minded and solutions-focused, with the confidence to operate at senior level and take ownership rather than wait to be told what to do.
For an experienced finance professional based, this represents an opportunity to take on a genuinely influential position within a respected organisation, supported by a wider team and network of offices across the North.
What's on Offer
- Salary up to c. £65,000 DOE
- 5 weeks' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension
- Genuine ownership of the finance function
- The opportunity to influence commercial decisions and contribute directly to continued growth
Interested?
If you're a qualified accountant with strong financial experience and you're ready for a role where your commercial judgement, financial expertise and voice will genuinely matter, we'd like to hear from you.
This is an opportunity where you won't simply report on business performance—you'll have the opportunity to help shape it.
Apply now to find out more and discover whether this could be the right next step in your career.
IND5
Pay: Up to £65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
