Financial Operations Controller

Location: Cambridgeshire
Employment Type: Permanent

About the Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Financial Operations Controller to take ownership of the financial control, reporting, tax, and compliance activities for a highly respected global technology and manufacturing business.

This is a broad leadership role that combines financial accounting, tax compliance, business controlling, forecasting, process improvement, and team leadership. You will play a key role in supporting business performance, ensuring strong governance, and acting as a trusted finance partner to both local and global stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure accurate and timely statutory reporting and year-end disclosures.
• Manage monthly group reporting and compliance requirements.
• Support external audits and maintain strong relationships with auditors and advisors.
• Ensure all accounting activities are compliant with IFRS and internal policies.

Tax & Governance

• Coordinate corporation tax reporting with external advisors.
• Oversee VAT reporting and compliance activities.
• Support tax incentive claims, including R&D-related schemes and other available tax reliefs.
• Act as a key point of contact for HMRC, tax advisors, and external consultants.
• Support company secretarial activities and governance requirements.
• Take responsibility for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance and related processes.

Business Controlling & Performance Management

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and quarterly planning cycles.
• Deliver meaningful financial analysis and insight to senior leadership.
• Prepare performance reports and financial commentary for Board and management meetings.
• Partner with operational stakeholders to drive business performance and informed decision-making.
• Conduct detailed balance sheet and P&L analysis.

Operations & Inventory Control

• Oversee inventory reporting and valuation.
• Work closely with Supply Chain and Operations teams to improve visibility, controls, and performance.
• Support the implementation and optimisation of financial processes and controls.

Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and develop a small finance team.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and high performance.
• Collaborate with colleagues across both UK and international finance functions.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, ICAEW or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of financial accounting, reporting, and IFRS.
• Previous experience within a manufacturing, engineering, or technology-focused environment.
• Experience working within a global or multinational organisation.
• Proven background in financial controlling, forecasting, and compliance.
• Previous people management experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Desirable

• Experience with VAT, payroll, and UK tax compliance.
• Knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP.
• Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience working with inventory accounting and operational finance.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a commercially aware finance professional who combines strong technical expertise with excellent stakeholder management skills. You will be comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands-on level, able to influence senior leaders while ensuring robust financial controls remain in place.

Why Apply?

• Join a market-leading, globally recognised organisation.
• Excellent Pay
• Broad and influential finance leadership role.
• Exposure to international stakeholders and group-level reporting.
• Opportunity to shape financial processes and drive continuous improvement.
• Clear scope to make a tangible impact on business performance and governance.
• Long-term career development within a global organisation.

If you are a qualified finance professional with a passion for financial control, compliance, and business partnering, we would love to hear from you.