Financial Controller / Finance Manager (Hands-On SME)

Epping, Essex Full-Time £50,000-£65,000 Financial Controller / Finance Manager (Hands-On SME)

A growing £7m turnover SME operating in a subcontractor-led engineering/services environment is seeking a hands-on Financial Controller / Finance Manager to take ownership of day-to-day financial control and strengthen cashflow discipline as the business continues to scale.

This is a key operational role reporting directly to the Managing Director. We are looking for a commercially aware finance professional who enjoys improving processes, tightening controls, and bringing clarity to a fast-moving SME environment.

This is not a corporate reporting role - it is a practical, hands-on position with real responsibility and impact.

The Role

You will take ownership of the company's core finance operations and act as the key liaison with an external bookkeeper, ensuring the business maintains strong financial control and clear visibility.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Control & Reporting

• Oversee day-to-day finance operations
• Coordinate with the external bookkeeper to ensure accurate and timely accounts
• Support monthly close, reconciliations, and reporting
• Maintain strong financial records and internal controls

Cashflow & Credit Control

• Own the accounts receivable function
• Actively manage aged debtors and improve cash collection
• Produce weekly cash position updates
• Support short- and medium-term cashflow forecasting

Subcontractor & Supplier Oversight

• Manage subcontractor and engineer payment processes
• Ensure accurate approvals and payment schedules
• Conduct monthly supplier audits and cost reviews
• Identify billing discrepancies and cost leakage

Process Improvement

• Bring together finance tasks currently split across the business
• Implement improved systems, controls, and reporting routines
• Support leadership with clearer financial visibility and margin awareness

About You

You will likely have:

• 5-12 years' experience in SME finance
• Experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller, or senior accounts lead
• Strong understanding of cashflow management and credit control
• Experience in a subcontractor-led, project-based, or engineering/services business (desirable)
• Strong Excel and accounting software experience (Xero, Sage, or similar)
• A practical, organised, and commercially aware mindset

Professional qualifications (AAT/ACCA/CIMA) are welcome but not essential - proven hands-on SME experience is key.

What Success Looks Like

Within your first 6 months, you will have:

• Improved debtor control and cash collection
• Implemented clearer subcontractor and supplier payment processes
• Delivered reliable monthly reporting
• Brought stronger financial discipline and visibility to the business

Package

• £50,000-£65,000 depending on experience
• Office-based role in Epping
• Opportunity to play a key role in a growing and evolving SME

If you are a hands-on finance professional who enjoys building structure, improving cashflow, and making a tangible impact within a growing business, we would welcome your application.