Financial Controller - Bristol

£70,000-£75,000 - Financial Controller
Ref: 859 Date Posted: Tuesday 24 Mar 2026

If you’re looking for a “polished” FC role in a large corporate… this isn’t it.

If you want to get closer to decision-making, shape a business, and see the real impact of your work — keep reading.

We’re working with a purpose-led SME (<£10m turnover) operating at the intersection of environment, sustainability and commercial enterprise. It’s commercially driven, evolving, and ambitious.

They’re now looking for a Financial Controller to act as a genuine number two to the Finance Director — someone who can balance hands-on delivery with commercial insight.

 

The Role (what it really feels like day-to-day)

This is not a “review the numbers” role. You’ll be in the numbers, shaping them, and challenging them.

  • One day you’re closing month-end and ensuring control
  • The next you’re working with leadership on pricing, margins or a new commercial initiative
  • Then you’re building models to answer “what if we did this?”

You’ll sit right at the centre of the business — partnering with operations, sales and leadership — helping them understand what’s working, what isn’t, and what to do next.

It’s a role where:

  • Your analysis drives decisions
  • Your modelling influences strategy
  • Your presence raises the bar across finance

 

Why this role stands out

  • Real impact – small enough that what you do genuinely moves the dial
  • Commercial exposure – not just reporting, but influencing direction
  • Broad scope – from controls and cashflow to modelling and growth strategy
  • Purpose-led – sustainability isn’t a side project, it’s core to the business

 

What they need (and what will make you successful)

This role will suit someone who is:

  • Qualified (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
  • Comfortable in an SME / owner-managed environment
  • Happy being hands-on — no hiding behind layers
  • Strong in financial modelling and scenario analysis
  • Commercially minded — you enjoy understanding how the business actually makes money

You’ll likely be:

  • An existing FC, or
  • A strong Finance Manager / Senior Finance Manager ready to step up