Financial Controller
Staplehurst, Kent
Vacancy listed 03/03/2026
Application deadline 30/04/2026
Details
About Us:
Magnetic Shields Limited (MSL) is a family-run industry leader in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke magnetic shielding solutions and magnetically shielded rooms. With over 50 years of engineering heritage and a rapidly expanding international customer base across the UK, Europe, USA and Asia, we serve advanced sectors including quantum technology, aerospace, electronics, medical, automotive and pharmaceutical industries.
 
Operating from our advanced manufacturing facility, equipped with the latest production technology and fully integrated processes, we continue to invest heavily in capacity, automation and global growth.
 
Due to continued expansion, we are seeking a commercially astute and hands-on Financial Controller to oversee all aspects of financial management and reporting. Reporting to the Head of Finance (member of the Senior Leadership Team), this role will play a critical part in strengthening financial controls, improving reporting visibility and supporting strategic decision-making across the business.
 
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional who enjoys operating at both strategic and operational levels within a growing engineering and manufacturing environment.
 
Main duties:
  • Production of accurate monthly management accounts, including group and foreign currency reporting.
  • Full balance sheet control and detailed cash flow forecasting.
  • Lead the preparation of annual budgets and periodic financial forecasts, reporting on variances.
  • Manage day-to-day finance operations, ensuring smooth transactional processing.
  •  Oversee stock, work-in-progress and manufacturing cost controls.
  •  Support month-end and year-end close processes.
  • Prepare for and coordinate external audits and maintain stakeholder relationships.
  • Ensure robust financial controls and compliance with statutory requirements.
  • Develop, document and improve accounting policies and internal control procedures.
  • Produce management reports and KPI dashboards to support operational performance.
  • Provide financial insight to support commercial and strategic decisions.

About the role: 
  • Work within a technically advanced, export-led manufacturing business.
  • Collaborate closely with operational and commercial teams across the organisation.
  • Gain exposure to international markets and multi-currency reporting.
  • Influence financial systems, processes and governance in a growing company.
  • Operate in a fast-moving environment with real ownership and responsibility.
  • Join a stable, long-established business investing heavily in its future.
 
Essential Skills/Requirements:
  • Proven experience as a Financial Controller or senior finance professional.
  • Minimum 5 years’ combined accounting and finance experience.
  • ACCA or ACA qualified (or equivalent).
  • Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting and controls.
  • Experience producing management accounts and financial statements, including group accounts.
  • Experience in manufacturing, engineering or project-based environments.
  • Understanding of stock control, WIP and cost accounting.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to work closely with non-finance colleagues.
  • Comfortable operating in a growing, fast-paced environment.
  • Strong Excel and financial systems capability

Desirable experience:
  • Multi-entity or international accounting exposure.
  • ERP system implementation or process improvement experience.
  • Experience supporting capital investment planning.
  • KPI development and management reporting automation.

We acknowledge that the most valuable aspect of business is the people, and we are looking to recruit the next generation of our workforce! 

At MSL, we’re driven by curiosity, precision, and collaboration. We value diversity of thought and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where technical excellence and innovation thrive.

We will invest everything we have in your success. If you are looking for a stable but progressive role within a growing engineering business where you can make a genuine impact, we would welcome your application. Please refer to our website (www.magneticshields.co.uk) for more information.
Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Benenden health cover
• Competitive holiday entitlement
• Quarterly performance bonuses
• Comprehensive company sick pay
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Exclusive discounts portal
• Double death-in-service cover
• On-site Mental Health First Aiders
• Training & development pathways
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

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