Finance Controller/FD Designate

Finance Controller – FD Designate Salary: circa £85,000+ depending on experience + bonus + benefits Location: Harrogate – office based Full-time, Permanent Overview This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Financial Controller ready to step into a broader Finance Director position within a growing and ambitious business. The successful candidate will take ownership of the entire finance function, leading a small finance team and working closely with the SLT to support strategic growth, commercial decision-making and operational performance. This role would suit a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys being hands-on whilst also contributing at board level. You will have the opportunity to shape processes, improve reporting, influence business strategy and play a key role in the future direction of the organisation. The Role Reporting directly into the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of finance across the business. This is not a purely transactional or reporting-focused position. The role requires someone capable of operating both strategically and operationally — comfortable leading the day-to-day finance function whilst also providing commercial insight and financial leadership. You will manage a small finance team, currently including a Finance Assistant, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and efficient financial operations. Key Responsibilities but not limited to:- * Leading and managing the full finance function * Producing monthly management accounts and board reporting packs * Providing financial analysis, forecasting and commercial insight to support strategic decisions * Managing budgeting, cash flow forecasting and financial planning * Overseeing year-end processes and liaising with external accountants/auditors * Developing and improving financial controls, systems and reporting processes * Supporting operational departments with financial performance and cost control * Managing payroll, VAT returns and statutory compliance * Leading and mentoring the finance team * Supporting senior leadership with business growth plans, investment decisions and commercial opportunities * Delivering accurate KPI reporting and performance analysis * Identifying efficiencies and opportunities for continuous improvement across finance operations What We’re Looking For * Proven experience operating at Financial Controller level or similar senior finance position * Qualified accountant preferred (ACA / ACCA / CIMA), although strong qualified-by-experience candidates may also be considered * Experience managing a finance function within an SME or growing business environment * Strong commercial awareness with the ability to influence decision-making * Comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on * Experience leading or mentoring finance staff * Strong financial reporting, forecasting and budgeting experience * Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills * Confident communicator able to work closely with senior stakeholders * Proactive, solutions-focused and commercially driven mindset Why Join? This is a genuine opportunity to step into a broader leadership role where you can make a visible impact across the business. You will join an organisation that values initiative, commercial thinking and continuous improvement, with the opportunity to help shape the future finance function and contribute directly to wider business success. INDHS Equals One is an advertising and recruitment agency working on behalf of our client to promote this vacancy. You may be contacted directly by the employer should they wish to progress your application. Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide specific feedback if your application is unsuccessful