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Financial controller in North West England

Financial controller job description

One of the most in-demand finance roles, the Financial Controller (FC) position offers a blend of strategic oversight, leadership, and commercial impact. According to the Robert Half Salary Guide, demand is especially high across business services, retail and manufacturing — with companies seeking professionals who combine regulatory expertise with business acumen.Financial Controllers ensure accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance and strategic business support. As businesses evolve, the demand for experienced Controllers grows, making this a high-impact, future-ready role. Key responsibilitiesManage the day-to-day financesLead financial reporting and ensure compliance with UK GAAP or IFRSOversee budgeting, forecasting and month-end processesManage internal controls, audits and riskSupervise and develop the finance teamPartner with leadership on commercial decisionsBackground and experienceACA, ACCA or CIMA qualifiedStrong leadership and communication skillsProficient in ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Xero, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics 365)Common prior roles: Finance Manager, Group Accountant, Management Accountant, Internal Audit Manager or Financial AccountantTeam structureControllers typically manage 4–10 direct reports, such as:Management / Financial AccountantsSales Ledger Clerks / Purchase Ledger ClerksPayroll OfficersFinance AnalystsAccounts Assistants / Assistant AccountantsThey may also oversee Credit Controllers and support junior staff development.What makes the role rewarding?The Financial Controller role is rewarding due to its responsibility, influence and clear career progression:You play a central role in shaping business performance and strategyYou gain visibility with senior stakeholders and executive teamsYou lead and develop a finance team, making a tangible impactYou enjoy strong earning potential and a clear path to CFO or FD rolesYou can work across diverse industries, from startups to multinationalsThis blend of impact, leadership and upward job mobility makes the Financial Controller role highly fulfilling for ambitious finance professionals. Learn about upcoming finance trends and their implications for leadership.How industry affects the roleThe Financial Controller role can vary significantly across sectors:Financial Services: Emphasis on regulatory, compliance, risk management, and FCA regulatory reporting.Technology: Controllers often support rapid scaling, SaaS metrics, and investor reporting.Manufacturing: Strong focus on cost accounting, inventory management, and production analysis.Retail and FMCG: High volume transactional oversight, margin tracking, and supply chain finance.Non-Profit and Education: Greater accountability for restricted funding and charity commission compliance.Understanding industry-specific KPIs, systems, and regulatory environments is critical for success in each setting.Role differences by company sizeSMEs: More hands-on, broader duties across compliance and operationsLarge firms: Strategic oversight, larger teams specialist functions (e.g. tax, treasury)Sought-after benefitsIncreasingly, Financial Controllers value benefits that support work-life balance, long-term wellbeing and personal growth. Highly sought-after perks may include:Flexible or compressed working hoursEnhanced parental leave policiesMental health and wellbeing supportFinancial coaching or retirement planning resourcesOpportunities for international travel or secondmentLeadership mentoring and executive coachingThese benefits help employers attract and retain top finance talent in a competitive market.Career progressionCommon next steps include:Finance DirectorGroup ControllerLearn more about career progression for finance professionals.

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Salary for Financial controller in North West England
65000 - 89000
25th percentile
65000
The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.
50th percentile
81000
The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.
75th percentile
89000
The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications
Projected salaries for related positions Position title 25th percentile 50th percentile 75th percentile Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 125000 170000 200000 Group Finance Director 109750 125000 140000 Finance Director 90000 105000 122000 Shared Service Centre Director 90000 110000 130000 Group Financial Controller 80000 100000 120000 Finance Manager 54000 62250 66250 Group/Financial Reporting Accountant 55000 60000 65000 Qualified Management/Financial Accountant 51000 56750 62750 Director of Audit & Risk 90000 95000 105250 Internal Audit Manager 58000 65250 70750 Internal Auditor 50500 54000 59250 Treasury Manager 65250 73250 78500 Treasury Accountant 52750 57000 61000 Tax Manager 70000 80000 90000 Tax Accountant 52750 57000 62000 Explore more salaries

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