Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment are thrilled to be exclusively partnering with Thomas Sherriff & Co, in recruiting a new Financial Controller to be based at their Haddington HQ, East Lothian. This is an exciting time to join the company and there is opportunity to make a significant impact as the business moves forward to a new phase of growth.
Business Overview:
At Thomas Sherriff, the story began long before tractors roamed the fields — before the first steel plough was even forged. Since 1816, the business has stood with farmers, foresters, and land stewards — through every season, every storm, and every harvest. Thomas Sherriff's commitment has remained unshaken: supporting those who shape the land with care, resilience, and pride. And, since partnering with John Deere in 1988, the business carries that legacy into the future — with cutting-edge technology, world-class machinery, and teams that know their customers' challenges because they have lived them too.
Thomas Sherriff was first established as a machinery manufacturer and dealer in 1816. The business currently has five agriculture outlets and two turf outlets, all providing sales, parts and servicing throughout the Lothians, Scottish Borders and Northeast England. The agriculture outlets deal with large estates down to the individual smallholding farmer, and everything in between. The turf outlets service local councils and golf courses as well as homeowners. The business's other key brands are Kramer, Stewart Trailers, Dal-Bo, Trimax, Kuhn and Ifor Williams Trailers.
Position Overview:
The Financial Controller will oversee all financial management and reporting across the company, ensuring robust financial control, compliance, and accurate reporting. This role supports business decision-making by providing accurate reports and clear financial insights to the leadership team.
The Financial Controller will be responsible for managing the team responsible for financial reporting, transaction processing and payroll. The successful candidate will work closely with the Finance Director providing financial data to the wider business and supporting business strategy.
Key Role Responsibilities:
Accounting & Reporting
- Lead the preparation of timely and accurate monthly and annual management reporting
- Draft financial reports for leadership team and Board
- Manage annual financial statement and audit process, including acting as key point of contact for external audit team
- Maintain and develop processes and controls for finance function ensuring compliance with internal processes and external regulation
- Responsible for day-to-day tax compliance and support for business tax planning
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Work closely with Finance Director to prepare budgets and forecasts for internal and external stakeholders
Cash Management
- Preparation of regular cash flow forecasting to support working capital management
- Support Finance Director in day to day working capital and cashflow management
Payroll
- Responsible for monthly payroll process and annual compliance activity
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and develop the finance and head office team to deliver high performance
- Manage purchase ledger, sales ledger and bank transaction processing functions
Process Improvement
- Drive continuous improvement across the finance function, identifying efficiencies and implementing change
- Support for other work and projects as directed by the Finance Director
Key Person Criteria & Background:
- A fully qualified accountant - ICAS/ACCA/CIMA or Equivalent
- Relevant post qualification experience
- Strong technical accounting skills and fully up to date with current legislation
- Drive to improve processes and efficiencies in the finance function
- People management & strong leadership skills
- Ability to build positive relationships across the business and with external stakeholders
- Strong analytical, organisational and decision-making skills
Remuneration & Benefits:
- Starting salary - £65,000 - £70,000 dependant on experience
- Annual performance bonus based on both individual & company performance
- Private Health Insurance & Health Benefit Scheme
- Defined contribution Pension Scheme
- 30 days holiday with option to purchase additional days
- Hybrid working available
How to Apply:
This search is being conducted in confidence on behalf of Thomas Sherriff & Co.
If you’re experienced within a similar role or are ready for that next step and seeking an opportunity where you can make a real impact in an integral leadership and hands on Finance role — we’d love to hear from you.
Please click apply or reach out directly with your CV & Covering Letter at craig.sinclair@cooperparry.com for a confidential conversation.