Financial Controller

Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Financial Controller to oversee our financial operations within the fast-paced sectors of freight forwarding, customs clearance, and logistics. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in financial management for service-based, transaction-heavy businesses, with an ability to navigate the complexities of international trade, multi-currency transactions, and industry-specific compliance requirements. This role requires a strategic thinker who can enhance cash flow management, implement robust cost control measures, and optimise financial processes in line with operational realities.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of financial accounting, including high-volume accounts payable and receivable related to freight, customs duties, and third-party logistics charges.
• Develop and implement financial strategies to support business growth and operational efficiency.
• Prepare and analyse financial reports, ensuring accuracy, compliance with UK regulations, and alignment with international trade documentation.
• Lead the budgeting process, monitoring expenditures to maintain profitability while accommodating variable shipment volumes and seasonal peaks.
• Provide financial planning and forecasting insights to senior management, factoring in shipment cycles, client credit terms, and carrier payment schedules.
• Supervise and mentor the finance team, fostering a collaborative environment and building expertise in trade-related finance processes.
• Liaise with external auditors, financial institutions, and trade finance providers, including invoice discounting and factoring companies familiar with the logistics sector.
• Ensure adherence to internal financial controls and continuously identify opportunities to streamline billing, reconciliation, and reporting.

Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in financial management within freight forwarding, customs clearance, or logistics (managerial level preferred).
• Strong understanding of industry-specific accounting, including multi-currency ledgers, duty/VAT handling, and disbursement recovery.

An advantage - familiarity with Cargowise software.

• Demonstrated experience in managing accounts payable to carriers and suppliers, and accounts receivable from shippers, consignees, and freight agents.
• Exceptional leadership and team development skills.
• Proficiency in financial planning, analysis, and cash flow forecasting for service-based and credit-term-dependent businesses.
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail, enabling informed decision-making in a fast-moving operational environment.

If you are an ambitious finance professional with sector-specific expertise in freight, customs, and logistics, and want to play a key role in driving financial performance and operational efficiency, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.