Financial Controller (Fast-Track to Finance Director)
Location: Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire
Salary: £70-80,000 + Benefits
Benefits: Discretionary Bonus, Private Healthcare, Pension Scheme, Holiday Allowance
The Opportunity
Our client is a successful and growing distribution business seeking an ambitious, commercially focused Financial Controller to join its senior leadership team.
Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, this role will be instrumental in driving financial performance across the business. The successful candidate will take ownership of the finance function with a particular focus on cash flow management, working capital optimisation, operational efficiency and continuous process improvement.
This is an excellent opportunity for a high-calibre finance professional looking to progress towards a Finance Director position within a growing organisation. The business is committed to developing future leadership talent and offers a genuine succession pathway for the right individual.
The Role
The Financial Controller will be responsible for ensuring that the business maximises cash generation, improves financial controls and develops efficient, scalable processes to support future growth.
Key Responsibilities
Cash Flow & Working Capital (Primary Focus)
- Take full ownership of cash flow forecasting, reporting and management.
- Drive improvements in working capital performance across debtors, creditors and inventory.
- Partner with operational and commercial teams to improve stock management, inventory turns and cash conversion.
- Implement robust cash forecasting models and reporting frameworks.
- Identify opportunities to release cash and improve liquidity across the business.
- Develop a culture of cash awareness and accountability throughout the organisation.
- Provide regular analysis and recommendations to the Commercial Director and senior leadership team.
Process Improvement & Business Efficiency
- Review and improve finance and operational processes across the distribution network.
- Drive automation and system enhancements to reduce manual intervention and improve reporting accuracy.
- Improve controls around stock, purchasing, logistics and inventory management.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, scalability and profitability.
- Support ERP and business systems development projects where required.
- Establish meaningful KPIs and performance reporting to support operational decision-making.
Financial Management & Commercial Support
- Produce accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
- Provide commercial analysis to support pricing, margin improvement and strategic decision-making.
- Support the Commercial Director with business planning and growth initiatives.
- Manage the annual audit process and external stakeholder relationships.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory, tax and regulatory requirements.
- Lead, develop and mentor the finance team.
Candidate Profile
Essential
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller, Head of Finance or Senior Finance Manager.
- Strong experience managing cash flow and working capital within a distribution, wholesale, logistics or stock-intensive environment.
- Demonstrable track record of delivering process improvements and operational efficiencies.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence decision-making at senior level.
- Experience managing and developing finance teams.
- Hands-on, proactive and results-oriented approach.
Desirable
- Experience within a fast-paced distribution, wholesale or supply chain business.
- Knowledge of inventory management, stock control and warehouse operations.
- ERP implementation or finance systems improvement experience.
- Ambition to progress into a future Finance Director role.
What's on Offer?
- Salary £70-80k depending on experience.
- Discretionary annual bonus.
- Private healthcare.
- Company pension scheme.
- Generous holiday entitlement.
- Significant exposure to strategic decision-making and business leadership.
- A structured and realistic pathway to Finance Director.
- The opportunity to make a measurable impact on cash generation, operational performance and business growth.
Why Apply?
This is not a traditional reporting-focused Financial Controller role. The business is seeking a commercially minded leader who can drive cash performance, improve working capital, streamline processes and support profitable growth. For an ambitious finance professional looking to fast-track their career towards Finance Director, this represents a genuine opportunity to make a significant impact and progress into a senior leadership position.