<p><strong>Financial Controller - Buckingham, UK - Exclusive retained position with Robert Half</strong></p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Buckingham, UK (<strong>onsite</strong> with potential 1 day WFH after onboarding)<br /> <strong>Reports To:</strong> VP Finance - Mobile Europe (Germany)<br /> <strong>Direct Reports:</strong> 2</p><p><strong>Salary:</strong> </p><ul><li><p>The full package will be:</p><ul><li>Competitive Base Salary</li><li>10% bonus based on Company EU results</li><li>Pension (% contribution can be negotiated)</li><li>25 days of holiday</li><li>Health & Safety Insurance</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>About the Company</strong></p><p>Manitowoc is a <strong>US-headquartered company (Milwaukee, WI)</strong> with around <strong>5,000 employees worldwide</strong>. A global leader in <strong>lifting solutions</strong>, the business designs, manufactures, and services some of the world's most advanced <strong>mobile and tower cranes</strong>.</p><ul><li><strong>Products:</strong> Mobile cranes and tower cranes, with a wide product range across lifting solutions.</li><li><strong>Production:</strong> Plants in the US, China, India, and other strategic markets.</li><li><strong>Sales & Service:</strong> Global footprint with strong aftermarket support (maintenance, spare parts, customer training).</li><li><strong>Market Position:</strong> One of the original players in the crane industry and a top-three global manufacturer, competing with Liebherr (Germany), Tadano (Japan), and Chinese OEMs.</li></ul><p>In the UK, Manitowoc operates from <strong>Buckingham</strong> with a <strong>team of 50 employees</strong>, focused on <strong>sales and aftersales</strong> for the UK & Ireland. The local business generated <strong>£35m turnover</strong> in 2023.</p><p><strong>The Role</strong></p><p>This is a <strong>management-level Financial Controller position</strong> to lead the UK finance function. The role is available due to the upcoming <strong>retirement of the current FC</strong> at the end of 2025.</p><p>You will oversee all finance and accounting operations in the UK entity, ensure compliance with <strong>UK GAAP, US GAAP, and statutory reporting</strong>, and provide strong business partnering to sales, service, and aftersales operations.</p><p>You will also play a key role in <strong>consolidation reporting to the US</strong>, liaising with European finance (Germany) and Group finance in the US.</p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><ul><li>Lead the <strong>UK finance function</strong> (3 people) - including accounting, reporting, tax, and treasury.</li><li>Ensure full compliance with UK GAAP, US GAAP, and local statutory/tax obligations.</li><li>Prepare and review <strong>monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting</strong> (P&L, balance sheet, forecasts, statutory accounts).</li><li>Manage <strong>budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis</strong> for the UK entity.</li><li>Supervise <strong>audit processes</strong> and liaise with external auditors and tax authorities.</li><li>Provide <strong>business partnering</strong> to sales and aftersales teams, including pricing, margins, and project analysis.</li><li>Oversee treasury and cash flow management for UK operations.</li><li>Support general site management in Buckingham (HR, property, compliance).</li></ul><p><strong>Candidate Profile</strong></p><ul><li>Qualified Accountant (<strong>FCCA, ACA, or equivalent</strong>) with 8-10+ years' experience.</li><li>Strong knowledge of <strong>UK GAAP and US GAAP</strong>.</li><li>Background in an <strong>international environment</strong> with reporting to group HQ.</li><li>Experience in manufacturing, engineering, or industrial equipment businesses ideal.</li><li>Hands-on leader, able to manage a <strong>small finance team</strong>.</li><li>Advanced Excel and ERP systems (SAP preferred).</li><li>Fluent English (additional European language such as German or French a plus).</li></ul><p><strong>Working Conditions</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Office-based in Buckingham Full time</strong></li><li>Collaborative, international environment.</li><li>Exposure to both UK operations and wider EMEA/US group structures.</li></ul><p>This is a great opportunity for a <strong>hands-on Financial Controller</strong> who enjoys working in a <strong>global manufacturing environment</strong> but also likes the <strong>closeness of a small UK site team</strong>.</p><p> </p><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/YmhhdmluLmtvdGVjaGEuMDYzMjUuMTA5MjNAcmhpLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ.gif">
<p>Join a global business, driving real change and partnering with operations. The Management Accountant will be responsible for the preparation of accurate and insightful management accounts, base level information, project financial reporting and key management information across both the projects division and operations.</p><p>* Prepare monthly accounts and financial reports<br />* Analyse and explain costs, margins, and performance variances<br />* Reconcile WIP, revenue, and control accounts<br />* Support forecasting, budgeting, and process improvements<br />* Partner with project and operations teams to drive smarter decisions<br />* Qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA) experience in project accounting, manufacturing or technical services, advanced Excel/ERP skills, and a hands-on, detail-oriented approach<br /><br /></p><p>You'll prepare accurate management accounts and project financial reports, dig into costs and margins, and deliver key insights across divisions. Support strong financial control, data integrity, and timely analysis. Help improve WIP accuracy and project margin visibility.<br /><br /><strong>Financial Reporting & Management Accounts</strong><br />* Prepare monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy, completeness and adherence to group timelines.<br />* Produce variance analysis and performance commentary to explain key costs and revenue drivers.<br />* Reconcile and report WIP, deferred income, accruals, and project provisions, ensuring proper revenue recognition under the cost-based method.<br />* Maintain and review balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring integrity of financial data.<br />* Ensure alignment with WBPS COS<br />* Provide analysis to support monthly revenue recognition.<br />* Develop reports to track performance vs forecast.<br />* Review and reconcile control accounts related to revenue recognition, cost of sales, stock and project spend.<br />* Support the transition to cost-based revenue recognition by maintaining accurate cost tracking.<br /><br /><strong>Project & Performance Analysis</strong><br />* Maintain detailed project-level reporting, including cost-to-complete, margin analysis, and variance tracking.<br />* Working with Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and Operations Leads to validate forecasts and ensure accurate cost reporting.<br />* Track and report on framework and project profitability, highlighting risks, cost overruns, or commercial pressures.<br />* Support the Finance Business Partner in preparing MI and commentary for divisional and Board reviews.<br />* Produce MI reports and dashboards to track project margins, WIP ageing, profitability, and key KPIs.<br />* Provide timely, accurate data to support decision-making by the Finance Business Partner and divisional leadership teams.<br /><br /><strong>WIP, Forecasting & Budgeting</strong><br />* Own and maintain WIP schedules, ensuring timely conversion to invoiced revenue and alignment with project progress.<br />* Assist with divisional forecasts and budgets, consolidating project-level and data into a unified view.<br />* Work with operational leads to improve forecasting accuracy, data discipline, and accountability.</p><p><strong>Commercial & Operational Support</strong><br />* Partner with Project and managers to monitor cost recovery, overhead absorption, and contract performance.<br />* Validate supplier invoices, subcontractor claims, and material costs to ensure accurate allocation and cost control.<br />* Support the embedding of consistent cost-based revenue recognition practices across all projects and contracts.<br /><br /><strong>Controls, Integration & Process Improvement</strong><br />* Strengthening financial controls across project and accounting, ensuring compliance with Group policies.<br />* Manage process of activating labour WIP processing in Protean<br />* Support the ongoing integration of reporting, processes, and systems into the wider business framework.<br />* Identify and implement improvements to enhance reporting accuracy, efficiency, and data visibility.<br />* Contribute to standardizing templates, processes, and reporting tools across all project and activities.</p><p> </p><p>(6 month contract with potential to go Permanent)</p><p> </p><p><strong>Essential Requirements:</strong></p><p>Immediately available or 1 week notice. </p><p>Qualified accountant (ACCA / CIMA / ACA).</p><p>Experience in project accounting within construction, engineering, or technical services sectors. </p><p>Strong understanding of WIP management, cost-to-complete forecasting, and revenue recognition. </p><p>Familiarity with manufacturing or service cost accounting, ideally within a small business or integration context. </p><p>Advanced Excel and ERP system skills; experience with project accounting tools advantageous. </p><p>Excellent analytical and communication skills, with attention to detail and a proactive approach. </p><p>Experience supporting business change, integration, or transformation is desirable. </p><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/VGluby5GcmVldGguOTU5ODYuMTA5MjNAcmhpLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ.gif">
<p>Robert Half is partnering with a recently acquired company on the Nottingham / Derby border to hire an Interim Finance Business Partner. You'll be the hands-on link between operations, commercial teams and central finance, tightening controls, sharpening forecasts and turning data into decisions.</p><p><strong>What you'll do</strong></p><ul><li>Month end and reporting: upgrade the management reporting cycle for two divisions so it's accurate, timely and genuinely insightful. Produce divisional P&Ls, variance analysis and clear commentary.</li><li>Forecasting and budgeting: own the forecast process, covering pipeline conversion, margins, overhead recovery and production planning. Spot trends, risks and opportunities and propose practical fixes.</li><li>Project performance: review profitability, cost-to-complete and revenue recognition, ensuring it aligns with commercial terms. Keep WIP, accruals and deferred income tight and consistent.</li><li>Commercial partnering: support Project Managers and Commercial/QS teams with CVRs and regular project reviews. Challenge costs, validate variations and embed a cost-based revenue model.</li><li>Group collaboration: Help integrate a recently acquired division into group frameworks.</li><li>Controls and improvement: strengthen close processes and project accounting controls. Identify system/process improvements and roll out common tools and KPIs.</li><li>Stakeholder engagement: turn financial results into plain-English insight for non-finance leaders and act as a trusted advisor to divisional leadership.</li></ul><p><strong>About you</strong></p><ul><li>Qualified accountant (CIMA / ACCA / ACA) with solid post-qualification experience in project-led, construction or engineering environments.</li><li>Proven business partner who can bridge project delivery and service operations.</li><li>Strong analytical skills and the ability to explain complex data simply.</li><li>Practical, sleeves-rolled-up approach in fast-moving, changing settings.</li><li>Experience of integration, transformation or post-deal environments is helpful.</li><li>Advanced Excel; comfortable with ERP and project accounting systems.</li><li>Commercial mindset with a focus on outcomes and decision support.</li></ul><p><strong>Details</strong></p><ul><li>Interim assignment during a period of transformation. Minimum 6 Months</li><li>Competitive day rate</li><li>Nottingham / Derby based with 3/4 days minimum needed on site</li></ul><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/RGFuaWVsLkdyZWVuZS4zNTY2MC4xMDkyM0ByaGkuYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t.gif">
<p>We are seeking a qualified Finance Business Partner (ACCA/CIMA/ACA) with strong experience in project accounting for construction, engineering, or technical services, proven expertise in WIP management, margin analysis, and advanced Excel/ERP systems to act as a true business partner across global operations. You will deliver insightful analysis, steer financial decision-making, and collaborate closely with business leaders to drive performance and support transformation.</p><p>Join a global business, acting as finance lead and strategic partner to project and operations teams. Translate complex financials into actionable insight, challenge assumptions, and drive improved margin and project outcomes. Own divisional forecasting and budgeting and deliver robust financial control and data integrity to support business growth and integration.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Essential Requirements</strong>:</p><ul><li>Immediately available or short notice period.</li><li>Fully qualified (ACCA/CIMA/ACA)</li><li>Demonstrated experience with project accounting and partnering with operational teams in construction, engineering, or technical services</li><li>Deep understanding of WIP management, cost-to-complete forecasting, revenue recognition, and commercial drivers</li><li>Broad exposure to manufacturing or service cost accounting, ideally in an SME or integration context</li><li>Advanced Excel and ERP system literacy, experience with project accounting tools, and data visualisation/reporting</li><li>Excellent analytical, influencing, and communication skills; proactive, commercial acumen, and attention to detail</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong>:</p><ul><li>Partner with business leaders to drive financial performance, cost recovery, and profitability</li><li>Lead monthly management accounts and financial reporting for multiple divisions and complex projects, adding analysis and commentary to inform commercial decisions</li><li>Take ownership of WIP and margin analysis, ensuring accuracy, strong controls, and clear communication of project risks and opportunities</li><li>Use advanced Excel and ERP skills to create MI dashboards, review KPIs, and drive operational improvements</li><li>Oversee budgeting/forecasting cycles, consolidate project-level forecasts, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives</li><li>Support integration and process improvement initiatives, standardising project accounting templates, controls, and reporting across the business</li><li>Influence and advise board/divisional leadership, preparing commercial packs, scenario analysis, and strategic recommendations</li><li>Champion cost-based revenue recognition practices and facilitate data discipline and accountability across operational teams</li><li>Lead on supplier/subcontractor review, business case analysis, and transformation projects</li><li>Act as change agent, supporting business integration, M&A, and operational transformation with strong financial insight</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Ideal Candidate</strong>:<br /> Qualified Finance Business Partner or Management Accountant with a hands-on, commercially driven approach; proven track record as a business partner in project-based environments. Skilled at challenging stakeholders and adding value beyond traditional accounting. Ready to step into a strategic finance position in a dynamic, global company.</p><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/VGluby5GcmVldGguOTM1NjEuMTA5MjNAcmhpLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ.gif">
<h3 id="job-specification-interim-finance-business-partner---education-sector-derby"><strong>Job Specification: Interim Finance Business Partner - Education Sector (Derby)</strong></h3><p><strong>Position Type:</strong> Interim/Contract<br /><strong>Location:</strong> Derby, UK<br /><strong>Sector:</strong> Education</p><br><br>Role Overview:<br><br><p>Our client in the education sector, based in Derby, is seeking an experienced <strong>Interim Finance Business Partner</strong> to join their team. This individual will play a pivotal role in supporting strategic decision-making processes and driving financial performance. The role requires working closely with stakeholders across the organization, providing financial expertise, analysis, and business insights, while ensuring compliance with budgetary and funding guidelines specific to the education sector.</p><br><br>Key Responsibilities:<br><br><ol><li><p><strong>Financial Analysis & Planning:</strong></p><ul><li>Monitor and analyze financial performance, ensuring budgets are effectively managed.</li><li>Provide detailed financial reporting, including variance analysis, forecasting, and trend analysis aligned with organizational goals.</li><li><strong>Stakeholder Support & Collaboration:</strong></li></ul></li><li><ul><li>Act as a trusted advisor for senior leadership teams and department heads, offering actionable insights and financial guidance.</li><li>Collaborate with non-financial stakeholders to improve understanding of financial metrics and processes within the education framework.</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Strategic Budget Management:</strong></p><ul><li>Support the development of annual budgets and multi-year financial planning, ensuring alignment with funding rules and grant expectations specific to the education sector</li><li>Proactively identify areas to optimize cost efficiency while maintaining service delivery standards.</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Compliance & Risk Management:</strong></p><ul><li>Ensure adherence to financial policies, regulations, and sector-specific compliance requirements.</li><li>Identify key financial risks and propose mitigation strategies.</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Process Improvement:</strong></p><ul><li>Evaluate and enhance financial processes, systems, and reporting frameworks to support organizational efficiency and transparency.</li></ul></li></ol><br><br>Ideal Candidate Profile:<br><br><ol><li><p><strong>Qualifications & Skills:</strong></p><ul><li>ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent professional qualification.</li><li>Proven experience as a Finance Business Partner, ideally within the education sector or public organizations.</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Sector Knowledge:</strong></p><ul><li>Strong understanding of the financial regulations and funding mechanisms in the education sector.</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Technical Expertise:</strong></p><ul><li>Proficiency in financial modeling, analysis tools, and advanced Excel skills.</li><li>Familiarity with finance systems used within the education industry (e.g., SIMS, PS Financials, or similar).</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Soft Skills:</strong></p><ul><li>Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.</li><li>Problem-solving mindset, with the ability to analyze complex data and present clear recommendations.</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Experience:</strong></p><ul><li>Prior interim or project-based roles demonstrating adaptability and success in delivering impactful results under time constraints.</li></ul></li></ol><br><br>Additional Information:<br><br><p><strong>Contract Length:</strong> 3 Months<br /><strong>Start Date:</strong> ASAP<br /><strong>Reports To:</strong> Head of Finance<br /><strong>Working Arrangement:</strong> Hybrid (on-site in Derby with some remote flexibility)</p><br><br>Benefits of the Role:<br><br><ul><li>Exposure to strategic financial initiatives within a dynamic education-focused organization.</li><li>Opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside a collaborative leadership team.</li></ul><p>This interim position is ideal for individuals seeking to actively contribute to an organization making a difference in education. Please contact us if you are interested or require further details!</p><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/SmF5LkJob2phbmkuMDA4NzguMTA5MjNAcmhpLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ.gif">
<p>Robert Half Ltd are pleased to be working with a growing organisation based in Chipping Norton that are looking for a Management Accountant to join the team. The Management Accountant will play a key role in supporting financial decision making across the business and partnering with operational teams to support commercial performance. Offering up to £50,000 + flexible hybrid working.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><ul><li>Prepare monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash flow reporting</li><li>Produce variance analysis and commentary to support business performance reviews</li><li>Maintain accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with internal controls</li><li>Support budgeting and forecasting processes across departments</li><li>Assist with cost accounting, project accounting, and profitability analysis</li><li>Work closely with operations, production, and commercial teams to provide financial insight</li><li>Support year-end and audit processes</li><li>Identify opportunities for process improvement and contribute to continuous development of the finance function</li><li>Ad-hoc financial reporting and analysis as required</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Skills</strong></p><ul><li>Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)</li><li>Strong experience in management accounting</li><li>Excellent Excel and financial modelling skills</li></ul><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/RWxsZW4uQ2h1bmcuNTU3NzQuMTA5MjNAcmhpLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ.gif">
