Interim Financial Controller

Location: Essex (hybrid working available)

Sector: FMCG / Manufacturing

An established, fast-growing FMCG manufacturing business is seeking a qualified Finance Manager / Financial Controller to lead its finance function and support the next phase of growth. This is a broad, hands-on role combining strong technical accounting, commercial insight, and people leadership.

Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will take ownership of the day-to-day finance operation while partnering closely with commercial stakeholders across the business.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a finance team of 6 through 2 direct reports (AP, AR and Financial Control)
• Ownership of month-end and year-end close, ensuring accurate balance sheets, P&L and cash flow reporting
• Development of commercial reporting to support sales and marketing performance
• Improving and embedding dispute resolution processes within US accounts receivable
• Supporting the FY27 budgeting and forecasting process
• Ensuring robust internal controls, compliance, and adherence to local and international standards
• Cash flow and liquidity management, including banking relationships
• Leading the year-end audit process
• Ownership of tax-related projects including R&D claims, capital allowances, P11
  
  Ds and settlement agreements
• Managing corporation tax instalments and supporting year-end assessments
• Reviewing and approving executive expenses
• Leading the annual group insurance renewal process

You will be a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys working in a hands-on, SME environment.

• ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualified
• Strong team management and mentoring experience
• Background in manufacturing, FMCG or stock-based businesses (SME experience preferred)
• Proven ability to balance strong technical accounting with commercial support for sales teams
• Confident working cross-functionally and influencing senior stakeholders

• Broad, end-to-end finance leadership role
• High visibility with senior leadership
• Opportunity to shape systems, processes and commercial reporting
• Stable business with strong brand heritage and growth ambitions