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.