Soapworks Ltd
Financial Controller
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Financial Controller
Financial Controller – Soapworks
"The Bar is Back", and we need your financial leadership, commercial insight, and drive for operational excellence to help us scale from 20 million to 70 million bars a year.
At Soapworks, we create high-quality, sustainable soap products for global brands—and as we enter an exciting phase of rapid growth, we’re looking for an experienced, hands-on Financial Controller to lead our finance function and support strategic decision-making.
From driving robust financial controls, delivering accurate, timely reporting, to supporting investment decisions and shaping long-term financial strategy, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring our commercial success as we scale—safeguarding profitability, managing risk, and enabling sustainable growth.
At Soapworks, we do more than produce soap—we also manufacture a variety of personal care products, including hair and body cleansers and aromatic oils. As a key member of our leadership team, you’ll help shape the future of our business, working alongside a passionate and innovative workforce committed to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
The Role at a Glance
Title: Financial Controller Location: Glasgow / Remote (Working from Home Wednesdays, Fridays) Salary: £65,000–£75,000 per annum DOE + 33 days holiday (increasing with service) Benefits Package:
- Pension
- Income Protection Benefit (post 1-year service)
- Death in Service (3x annual salary)
- Access to Help@Hand (EAP, GP, Physio services)
- Excellent benefits including holiday entitlements and more
Hours: Full-time, permanent (37.5 hrs/week) Monday–Thursday: 8am–4:30pm Friday (Remote): 8am–3pm
Reporting to: Managing Director Company Values: Ethical, Sustainable, Trusted Company: UK’s Largest Bar Soap Manufacturer (global customer base)
Featured In: British Vogue, Glamour, Elle, GQ, Beauty Bay, Stylist Magazine, HELLO! and more
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Your Background / Skills
Key requirements include:
- Fully Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with solid practical experience in a fast-paced environment, ideally in manufacturing, food, or personal care sectors.
- Leading and developing a finance team.
- Experience with BI tools.
- Exposure to contract manufacturing.
Our Story
Founded in 1988 by The Body Shop’s Dame Anita Roddick, Soapworks has always been driven by innovation, exceptional product quality, and a deep commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
In 2018, we joined Daabon Group, a global leader in sustainable and organic ingredients, reinforcing our mission. As passionate advocates for sustainability, we’re committed to:
- EcoVadis Gold Award for Sustainability (Top 5% in our sector).
- Active focus on net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
- Our SOAP AID programme, where we donate life-saving soap bars to global disaster zones via NGOs and charities.
The Opportunity
Soapworks is seeking a proactive, commercially minded Financial Controller to lead finance operations during our rapid scaling phase.
Key Responsibilities
• Advise on financial strategy to support company objectives. • Lead and develop the finance team for high performance. • Provide financial guidance to managers to meet targets. • Manage cash flow, working capital, and treasury functions. • Prepare annual budgets (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow). • Present financial reports to the Board and attend monthly meetings. • Oversee group reporting, including monthly sales and P&L. • Deliver financial updates at fortnightly KPI meetings. • Produce monthly management accounts and Finance Board reports. • Coordinate year-end reporting and external audits. • Manage operational performance reviews and P&L reforecasts. • Prepare monthly 13-week cash flow forecasts. • Authorise and ensure accuracy of supplier payments. • Review product costings with Business Development Managers. • Analyse profitability by customer and product. • Develop Capex business cases with senior management. • Liaise with auditors for accurate statutory reporting. • Maintain banking relationships and supply chain finance accounts.
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Requirements
Education/Qualifications
- Fully ACA/ACCA/CIMA-qualified with degree-level education (minimum requirement).
Experience/Skills/Knowledge
- Experience in leading a finance team.
- Knowledge of multiple margin control and cash-flow management.
- Exceptional attention to detail for financial accuracy and compliance.
- Experience with BI tools to drive financial improvements.
- Proven experience in manufacturing or demand-driven environments.
- Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., MS Dynamics, Business Central).
Aptitudes/Attributes
- Exceptional organisation, communication, and analytical skills.
- Strong problem-solving ability to address financial discrepancies.
- Capable of working under pressure and delivering on tight deadlines.
Other Requirements
- Possible occasional travel for meetings or key activities.
What’s on Offer?
- Market-leading salary with a 4-weekly pay cycle.
- Generous holiday allowance (33 days, inclusive of bank holidays, rising with service).
- Comprehensive benefits including:
- Competitive retirement and income protection plans.
- Full access to Help@Hand (mental health, biennial health checks, discounted retail access).
- Fast-track pathway to become part of our Leadership Team.
Great fit? Apply now for a role that will truly shape the future of a sustainable, globally recognised business.
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