Financial Controller

About the Role

We are recruiting an experienced and commercially focused Financial Controller to join a growing business operating across customs clearance, freight forwarding and transport.

This is a senior, hands-on finance position, working closely with the Managing Director to oversee the finance function, strengthen financial controls and provide meaningful financial information to support business decisions.

The successful candidate will take ownership of day-to-day financial operations while playing an important role in improving profitability, managing working capital and developing financial reporting.

We are looking for someone who is comfortable managing the details but equally capable of stepping back to understanding the wider commercial performance of the business.

Key Responsibilities

● Take full responsibility for the day-to-day management of the finance function.

● Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet and cash-flow reporting.

● Produce budgets, forecasts and financial analysis to support business planning.

● Manage cash flow, working capital, supplier payments and credit control.

● Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable and bank reconciliations.

● Analyze revenue, gross profit and operating margins across transport, freight forwarding and customs clearance activities.

● Review job costing and identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.

● Maintain oversight of VAT, payroll and statutory accounting requirements.

● Ensure accurate accounting and reconciliation of customs duties, import VAT and customer disbursements.

● Develop and improve financial processes, internal controls and reporting systems.

● Work closely with operational teams to improve the quality and accuracy of financial information.

● Provide commercial insight and recommendations directly to senior management.

● Liaise with external accountants, auditors and other professional advisers.

About You

We are looking for an experienced finance professional who combines strong technical accounting skills with commercial awareness and a proactive approach.

Essential:

● Previous experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or in a comparable senior finance role.

● Strong experience producing management accounts and managing the month-end process.

● Confident managing cash flow, working capital, credit control and supplier payments.

● Excellent Excel skills and confidence working with accounting systems, ideally Xero.

● Strong understanding of UK VAT, financial controls and accounting procedures.

● Ability to work independently and take ownership of the finance function.

● Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain financial performance to non-finance colleagues.

● A practical, hands-on approach and the ability to operate effectively in a busy environment.

Desirable:

● Experience within transport, logistics, freight forwarding or customs clearance.

● A recognized accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), or qualified by experience with a strong relevant background.

● Experience improving financial systems, processes and management reporting.

● Understanding of customs duty, import VAT and freight-related financial transactions.

What We Offer

● Competitive salary of £60,000–£65,000, depending on experience.

● A senior position with direct exposure to the Managing Director.

● The opportunity to take ownership of and develop the finance function.

● A varied role combining financial control with commercial analysis.

● The chance to make a measurable impact on business performance and profitability.

● A stable, long-term opportunity within a growing business.

Apply

If you are an experienced Financial Controller or Finance Manager looking for a hands-on role where you can influence business performance, we would welcome your application.

Candidates with transport or logistics experience are particularly encouraged to apply, although strong applicants from other commercially focused industries will also be considered.

Pay: £60,000.00-£65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension

Work Location: In person