Cambridge Design Partnership (CDP) is a multidisciplinary design consultancy that helps businesses create innovative products and services. We're passionate about using design thinking to tackle complex challenges and push the boundaries of what's possible. Our design, engineering, and software experts collaborate to deliver cutting-edge solutions that transform industries. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) the Financial Controller will be responsible for transforming the finance function into a strategic force that enables stability, sustainable grown and long term profitability. They will work closely with the CFO to lead the implementation of better controls, improve revenue, profit and cash flow visibility and enhance financial performance across the business. 1. Financial Operations & Compliance - Deliver timely and accurate financial statements, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow. Redesign month-end processes and implement robust controls. Manage payroll processes for all legal entities and oversee UK and US tax compliance and planning. 2. Cash Flow Management - Own the cash flow forecast process, ensuring visibility into short-term needs and long-term sustainability. This includes working with the CFO to optimise working capital and establish stronger discipline around billing and receivables to improve client payment cycles. 3. Team Leadership & Development – Build, coach and lead an agile team capable of business partnering and deep financial analysis including upskilling team members and cross training to increase resilience. 4. Financial Planning and Analysis – Establish a rolling forecast process to drive financial management including weekly and monthly financial dashboards. Work with the CFO to develop scenario-based planning tools that provide “what if” decision support. 5. Systems & Process Improvements – Lead an overhaul of financial processes to create efficient, scalable systems to improve speed and accuracy. Collaborate with IT and Operations on the partially implemented SAP system to help ensure data integrity and accuracy across the financial systems to eliminate reporting gaps. 6. Business Partnering – Partner with project leaders to ensure revenue recognition is aligned with project milestones and targets. Support business unit leads with financial insight on project costs, margins and cash flow impact to assist them as they get P&L budget responsibility for the first time. Develop commercial policies including negotiating improvements to client payment terms. About You • Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. • ERP systems experience (SAP preferred but not essential) and strong Excel proficiency. • Knowledge of R&D tax credits and transfer pricing • Knowledge of, or interest in gaining knowledge of, employee trusts and related share arrangements. • Demonstrated experience in scaling and improving finance functions, particularly in periods of transformation or turnaround. • A proven track record of leading teams and delivering measurable improvements. • Excellent stakeholder management and business partnering capabilities. • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent). • Significant experience in financial control, accounting, or FP&A within a project-based or consultancy environment About Us Cambridge Design Partnership (CDP) is an end-to-end innovation partner, propelling global brands and ambitious start-ups to success. We build breakthrough products and services – from insight to ideas, prototypes to production – bringing innovation to life. Our teams are multi-disciplinary, uniting scientific rigor, design ingenuity, and engineering excellence for consumer and healthcare clients. People-centred, deeply collaborative, and – above all – expert, we’re uniquely positioned to shape the future for consumers, patients, and industry. Even our ownership model is innovative: We’re 100% owned by our employees, ensuring an open culture and a total commitment to our projects’ success. As part of our benefits package we offer: flexible working a discretionary bonus excellent learning and development opportunities a 12% non-contributory pension private healthcare electric vehicle lease salary sacrifice scheme share incentive plan 25 days holiday plus bank holidays