Element Recruitment UK
Financial Controller

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Financial Controller | East Bristol (Hybrid) | SME
The Role
We are currently partnering exclusively with an SME engineering firm in Bristol to find a “hands on” Financial Controller. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will be leading a small team of 2 x Finance Assistants and overseeing the finance function. This is a tight-knit and collaborative business, where we are looking for someone to maintain robust financial controls, drive strategic insights and own the core ERP system. Whether you’re an ambitious qualified accountant ready to make your mark, or an experienced Finance professional looking to join a well-rounded SME environment, this role offers full autonomy and clear leadership visibility.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce accurate monthly management accounts, lead month-end close to tight deadlines, maintain balance sheet reconciliations, and oversee payroll.
- Build rolling cash flow forecasts, monitor working capital, review debtor/creditor performance, and authorize payment runs.
- Drive the annual budgeting process and deliver monthly forecasts and management information to guide executive decisions.
- Act as the internal lead for the ERP system, taking full ownership of finance processes, enhancing reporting, and driving continuous process improvements.
- Oversee VAT returns, support statutory accounts and corporate tax, and ensure GDPR compliance across financial operations.
- Mentor, support, and manage a team of two (Finance Assistant and Accounts Assistant), allocating workload and conducting regular performance reviews.


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Your Profile:
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified
- Proven track record within an SME environment. (Manufacturing or Engineering preferred).
- Technical & Systems Expertise: Advanced Excel skills and hands-on experience using and optimising modern ERP systems (Or willing to learn).
- Leadership & Culture: Exceptional people skills with a genuine passion for mentoring junior team members and collaborating cross-functionally.
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