Financial Controller / Finance Manager

About the role

Our client, a fast‑growing plant‑hire company with a fleet of approximately 100 earth‑moving and construction machines, is seeking a commercially minded, hands‑on Financial Controller / Finance Manager. The role will own the finance function, tighten internal controls and optimise financial performance across the asset lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Produce accurate monthly management accounts, cash‑flow forecasts and variance analysis for the executive team.
• Manage relationships with financial institutions regarding asset finance facilities and fleet‑scaling debt.
• Implement and enforce strict internal controls around procurement, workshop spares inventory and field service labour.
• Reconcile diesel and fuel consumption to eliminate stock variances and theft.
• Supervise the billing process, ensuring telematics‑tracked machine hours match invoicing precisely.
• Oversee asset‑lifecycle and fleet commercial management, tracking machine‑level costing (diesel, maintenance, components).
• Identify and eliminate revenue leakage through robust control procedures.

Required profile

• B.Comm in accounting/management or SAIPA/CIMA professional qualification.
• Minimum 3 + years post‑article/post‑qualification experience; experience in plant‑hire or logistics is advantageous.
• Strong assertive communication skills to manage operational and workshop staff.
• High emotional intelligence and a forward‑looking, predictive mindset regarding cash flow.

Required skills

• Advanced proficiency in Sage accounting software.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience integrating fleet‑management or telematics software with accounting systems.