Financial Controller – Freight Forwarding

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Financial Controller to lead the day‑to‑day finance function of a growing international freight forwarding business. The role is hands‑on, reporting directly to the Managing Director, and involves managing all accounting processes, cash flow and foreign exchange activities.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain the sales ledger, perform credit checks, set credit limits and manage debt collection.
• Process and approve supplier invoices, reconcile supplier statements and run payment batches.
• Administer overseas payments, FX accounts and forward currency contracts (USD & EUR).
• Reconcile bank accounts, HMRC deferment statements and other financial records.
• Monitor cash flow, transfer daily data from Boxtop to Sage and update exchange rates.
• Prepare year‑end accounts for external accountants and review statutory filings.
• Produce monthly profit reports and ad‑hoc financial reports for senior management.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns and support other statutory HMRC requirements.

Required profile

• Previous experience as a Financial Controller or Senior Bookkeeper.
• Strong all‑round bookkeeping and accounting knowledge.
• Proven ability to work independently, prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Experience in freight forwarding, logistics or shipping is desirable.

Required skills

• Sage accounting software.
• Boxtop financial system.
• Bookkeeping and general ledger management.
• Foreign currency transaction handling and forward contracts.
• Bank and supplier reconciliation.