Financial Controller

Our client, a leading manufacturing company based in Co. Meath, is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Financial Controller to join their leadership team.

This is a key role within the organisation, offering the opportunity to take ownership of the finance function while working closely with senior management to support the continued growth and long-term success of the business.

The successful candidate will combine strong financial control and technical accounting expertise with commercial awareness and operational insight. With a particular focus on the manufacturing environment, they will play a key role in driving operational efficiency, cost control, inventory management, profitability and informed decision-making across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

·      Lead and oversee all financial and accounting activities across the business.

·      Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual management accounts.

·      Produce financial reports, budgets, forecasts and cash flow projections.

·      Analyse financial performance and provide recommendations to improve profitability and operational efficiency.

·      Present financial results, management information and key performance indicators to senior management.

·      Ensure the accurate maintenance of the general ledger and all financial and accounting records.

·      Oversee pricing strategies, margin analysis and product profitability reviews.

·      Develop meaningful financial and operational reporting to support business decision-making.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Planning

·      Lead the annual budgeting and planning process.

·      Develop and maintain robust financial forecasts.

·      Monitor business performance against budget and investigate and report on variances.

·      Provide financial input into strategic planning and business growth initiatives.

·      Support senior management in evaluating commercial opportunities and potential business investments.

Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

·      Take ownership of cash flow forecasting and liquidity management.

·      Monitor debtor and creditor balances and ensure effective working capital management.

·      Identify opportunities to improve cash conversion and working capital performance.

·      Liaise with banks, lenders and external advisors as required.

·      Provide management with clear visibility of current and future cash requirements.

Financial Controls, Compliance & Audit

·      Maintain and continuously improve robust internal financial controls, processes and procedures.

·      Ensure compliance with Irish accounting standards, taxation requirements and company policies.

·      Oversee VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE/PRSI and other Revenue reporting obligations.

·      Coordinate the annual audit process and act as the primary point of contact for external auditors.

·      Ensure compliance with relevant company law and regulatory requirements.

·      Identify and mitigate financial and commercial risks across the business.

Manufacturing Finance & Operational Support

·      Work closely with operational and production teams to provide financial insight and support.

·      Monitor manufacturing costs, inventory levels and stock valuation.

·      Analyse product profitability, gross margins and cost drivers.

·      Support initiatives focused on improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.

·      Provide financial analysis to support inventory management and production planning.

·      Develop and monitor relevant financial and operational KPIs.

Team Leadership

·      Lead, manage and develop the finance team.

·      Allocate workloads and ensure the timely completion of key finance activities.

·      Monitor team performance and support professional development.

·      Identify training and development opportunities within the finance function.

·      Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Business Partnering

·      Partner with senior management and key stakeholders across operations, procurement and sales.

·      Provide clear financial insight and commercial advice to support decision-making.

·      Evaluate capital expenditure proposals and investment opportunities.

·      Participate in strategic projects and business improvement initiatives.

·      Act as a trusted financial advisor to the management team.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

·      Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

·      A minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience.

·      Previous experience in a Financial Controller, Senior Finance or similar commercially focused finance role.

·      Strong experience within a manufacturing environment.

·      Excellent knowledge of management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial controls.

·      Experience working with ERP systems and manufacturing reporting.

·      Strong understanding of inventory management, stock valuation, costing and margin analysis.

·      Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Desirable

·      Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.

·      Experience implementing or improving financial systems, processes or reporting structures.

·      Experience supporting business growth, investment or operational improvement initiatives.

Skills & Competencies

·      Strong commercial and business acumen.

·      Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

·      Strong leadership and people management capabilities.

·      Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.

·      Excellent stakeholder management and business partnering skills.

·      High attention to detail and accuracy.

·      Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

·      A proactive and hands-on approach.

·      Strategic thinking combined with strong operational awareness.

·      A continuous improvement mindset.

This is a hybrid role, with 4 days per week based in the office in Co. Meath and 1 day working from home.