Role Summary

The Finance Lead will be responsible for leading the finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong financial controls, effective cash flow management, and compliance with statutory and tax requirements. Working closely with the senior management team, they will provide financial insight to support profitability, operational efficiency, inventory management, and strategic decision-making.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical accounting expertise with commercial acumen and a hands-on approach. They will be an effective leader and communicator, capable of collaborating across multiple business functions and international operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment focused on cost control, efficiency, innovation, and growth.

Company Overview

The employer is a long established large Irish manufacturing business based in Co. Galway. They serve a customer base predominately in Ireland and Europe but also export worldwide. The company are seen as leading players in their sector and now have a vacancy for a Financial Controller to oversee and develop their Finance function. The Financial Controller will be part of the senior leadership team, will support the business in achieving their ambitious strategic and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

1. Lead the Group financial strategy and planning, including budgeting and forecasting across all business units and European entities.
2. Deliver accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports, management accounts and performance analysis to support the Board of Directors.
3. Monitor business performance against budgets, identifying risks, trends, growth opportunities and cost-saving initiatives, and recommend appropriate actions.
4. Drive cost control, margin improvement and operational efficiency initiatives across the Group.
5. Provide financial insight and commercial analysis to support strategic decision-making, investments, CAPEX, R&D initiatives and acquisitions.
6. Manage cash flow, working capital, banking and treasury activities, maintaining strong relationships with banks, lenders and financiers.
7. Oversee core finance functions including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Credit Control, Payroll and General Accounting.
8. Manage the financial and operational aspects of Group properties, including insurance, accounting services, rental income, and legal and administrative matters.

Compliance and Governance

1. Ensure compliance with Irish, UK and European statutory requirements, together with applicable accounting and financial reporting standards.
2. Maintain and strengthen internal controls, financial governance and business processes.
3. Oversee tax compliance, intercompany transactions and all statutory reporting and filing obligations.
4. Lead the preparation and delivery of the Group Annual Financial Statements, managing relationships with external auditors and tax advisers and coordinating audit and tax activities across jurisdictions.

Leadership and Continuous Improvement

1. Lead, coach and develop a high-performing finance department, ensuring accurate financial information, strong controls and responsive business support.
2. Support a culture of continuous improvement, driving process standardisation, automation, enhanced reporting and stronger financial governance.
3. Lead finance-related projects, business transformation initiatives and cross-functional improvement programmes.
4. Build strong relationships with operational, project and senior leadership teams across the organisation.

Other Responsibilities

1. Support financial due diligence activities relating to acquisitions, including financial analysis, accounting assessments and earnings reviews.
2. Oversee the Group insurance programme, ensuring appropriate coverage and cost efficiency.

Required Qualifications

You must possess strong technical accounting expertise combined with commercial acumen and a hands-on, proactive approach. Qualified Accountant status (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) is essential. You should have significant experience in a similar financial leadership role within a manufacturing or multi-entity business environment, with proven expertise in financial reporting, management accounting, and compliance. Strong knowledge of Irish, UK, and European accounting and tax regulations is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in manufacturing operations, international business management, and exposure to banking and treasury activities is highly valued. Familiarity with ERP systems and financial software is advantageous. Demonstrated success in leading cost control initiatives and financial transformation projects is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

Essential skills include strong financial analysis and reporting, strategic planning, cash flow management, and internal controls expertise. You must be an effective leader and communicator, capable of collaborating across multiple business functions and international operations. Problem-solving ability, commercial thinking, and the capacity to work in a fast-paced environment are critical.