We’re looking for an experienced Financial Controller to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the finance function within a growing Painting & Decorating business.
About the Role:
Reporting to the Managing Director, the Financial Controller leads the finance function, providing practical insight to support strong decision‑making, profitable delivery and sustainable growth. The role combines hands‑on leadership with strategic oversight and robust financial control across day‑to‑day construction operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Strategy & Control
- Lead the financial strategy in line with business objectives
- Ensure strong financial controls, governance, and compliance
- Oversee statutory obligations including tax, VAT, CIS, and payroll
- Manage relationships with external advisers, banks, and insurers
Financial Planning & Insight
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and longer‑term financial planning
- Provide clear, practical reporting with meaningful commentary
- Produce monthly and annual management accounts
- Use financial data to support better commercial and operational decisions
Cash Flow & Risk
- Manage cash flow, working capital, and banking relationships
- Monitor financial risks and ensure appropriate controls are in place
- Research and advise on grants, levies, and funding, including CITB obligations
Payroll, Systems & Oversight
- Strategic oversight of payroll (weekly and monthly)
- Ensure payroll, benefits, CIS, and P11Ds are accurate and compliant
- Own finance systems (including Sage) and oversee the IT provider
- Manage company insurance arrangements
Team Leadership
- Lead, develop, and support the finance team
- Create a culture of ownership, accuracy, and continuous improvement
- Build strong working relationships across the business
Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA)
- CIPP or equivalent payroll qualification
- Proven experience working within the construction industry
- Strong, hands‑on experience of CIS and subcontractor compliance
- Solid understanding of construction cash flow, project costs, and margins
- Experience producing management accounts and financial insight for senior leaders
- Confident operating as part of a Senior Leadership Team
- Strong systems capability, including Sage and Microsoft packages
- Able to work independently and take full ownership of the finance function
Personal Attributes:
- Able to combine senior leadership with a practical, hands‑on approach
- Commercial, practical, and solutions‑focused
- Clear communicator who is able to explain financial information clearly to non‑finance colleagues
- Calm, credible, and confident at senior level
- Proactive, reliable, and improvement‑driven
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Pension (3% employer, 5% employee)
- Supportive team environment with offices in Carlisle, Salford and Glasgow.
- The chance to be part of a respected organisation with a strong track record in the industry.
To apply, please send your CV to joannedevlin@storydecoratinggroup.com