Interim Financial Controller

Role Interim Financial Controller Salary £80,000 - £85,000 + Benefits Location Milton Keynes An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Interim Financial Controller to join a fast-paced, international manufacturing business. This is a highly visible leadership role, requiring a technically strong finance professional who can combine hands-on financial control with the ability to lead and develop a medium-sized finance team in a complex operational environment. Working closely with senior leadership, the successful candidate will take ownership of financial reporting, controls, compliance, treasury, and transactional finance, while also driving process improvement and ERP optimisation across the function. This role would suit someone comfortable operating strategically whilst remaining close to the detail and capable of building strong relationships across the wider business. Key Responsibilities Lead and develop a finance team of 9, including direct management responsibility for transactional finance and reporting functions Own the month-end close process, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to group finance Maintain full control of balance sheet reconciliations, P&L integrity, and cashflow forecasting Ensure compliance with accounting standards, governance requirements, VAT, and tax regulations Manage year-end audit processes and relationships with external auditors and advisers Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, treasury, and working capital performance Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities across the business Deliver insightful financial analysis and commentary to support operational and commercial decision-making Drive finance process improvement initiatives and support ERP system optimisation Partner with senior stakeholders across finance, operations, and support functions Support international trade and finance processes within a multi-site and international operating environment Build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance within the finance team Skills & Experience Required Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) Proven experience operating as a Financial Controller or senior finance leader within a manufacturing, FMCG, or operational business Strong technical accounting, reporting, and financial controls background Experience managing and developing medium-sized finance teams in a fast-paced environment Strong month-end, statutory reporting, audit, and compliance experience Experience overseeing transactional finance, treasury, and cash management Advanced ERP systems experience with strong IT and systems improvement capability Strong analytical skills with the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on when required Excellent stakeholder management and business partnering skills Resilient, proactive, and comfortable working in a demanding operational environment Desirable Experience within an international or multi-site organisation Previous exposure to ERP implementation or optimisation projects Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics AX or similar ERP systems Experience supporting process re-engineering or finance transformation initiatives Understanding of international VAT and cross-border finance processes Experience managing cost reduction or restructuring projects