G&H (Gooch & Housego)
Assistant Financial Controller

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Assistant Financial Controller
Director of Finance
Job Type
Full-time
About Us
G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing, and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications, spanning:
- Acousto-optic
- Electro-optic
- Crystal-optic
- Fibre optic
- Precision optic products
Headquartered in Ilminster, Somerset, UK, with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defence industries. Since 1946, they have delivered innovative, high-quality solutions spanning optical engineering and manufacturing.
G&H | ITL, established in 1977, specialises in medical device engineering and manufacturing, providing bespoke solutions for cancer staging devices, drug delivery systems, and point-of-care diagnostics.
We thrive on innovation, precision, and talent, fostering growth at all career stages—apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and leadership programs—alongside the technical and strategic challenges of our diverse portfolio.
The Role
Reporting to the Finance Director, this position centralises the financial health of G&H | ITL, ensuring strict adherence to budgets, forecast accuracy, and strategic growth targets.
Core responsibility areas:
- Financial accounting & reporting (UK and US sites)
- Budgeting and variance analysis
- Strategic organisational financial support to Manufacturing & R&D
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Mandatory Responsibilities
- Adherence to all Company policies, compliance frameworks, and operational procedures, including HS&E, Environment, Quality, and legal obligations.
- Commitment to sustainability and net-zero initiatives for the organisations’ environmental impact.
- Upholding positive workplace values, fostering respect and dignity among colleagues and external partners.
- Core G&H values in practice: Customer focus, Integrity, Action, Unity, and Precision.
Key Responsibilities
-
Financial Leadership & Reporting:
- Support the Financial Controller to drive the success and financial sustainability of G&H | ITL.
- Ensure complete, accurate, and timely financial accounting and reporting for both UK & US sites.
- Conduct monthly reconciliation of balance sheet accounts.
- Prepare Tax Packs & R&D Tax Credit (RDEC) submissions.
-
Finance Operations:
- Reconcile inter-company accounts and quarterly VAT declarations.
- Provide key financial support for the world-class R&D function.
- Complete monthly sales and profitability analysis.
-
Regulatory Compliance & Audits:
- Implement financial systems to meet customer-contracted reporting standards.
- Collaborate closely with external auditors, providing explanations and data for smooth audit completion.
-
Operational & Analytical Support:
- Assist with Accounts Payable/Receivable processes on an ad-hoc basis.
- Support consistent business partnering with Manufacturing and R&D departments.


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Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
- AAT-qualified, part-qualified ACCA/CIMA highly preferred.
- A minimum of 3 years’ post-qualification experience in a similar position.
Technical Skills
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial spreadsheets.
- Experience with month-end closing processes.
- Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
- Understanding of UK direct/indirect taxation.
- Ability to query, analyse and create reports from ERP systems and associated suites.
Personal Attributes
- Dynamic problem-solver with the confidence to challenge the status quo.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Analytical mindset with commercial financial acumen.
Notes
- This job description is not exhaustive; roles may also include additional duties assigned by senior management.
- Equal opportunities: G&H operates under strict non-discrimination standards on the basis of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, disability, etc.
- Security/compliance considerations: Many roles have Government security and export control restrictions, which includes assessment of nationality, residence history, and background checks.
All UK applicants must comply with the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, including a criminal record disclosure. Enhanced security checks may also be required.
Gooch & Housego Limited
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