Group Financial Controller - Marine Data Systems

Job Posted: 2 November 2026

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full or part time
• Salary: Negotiable
• Industries: Accounting Administration Banking & Financial General Office Marine

Group Financial Controller

Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
Hours: Full-time or part-time
Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience, agreed hours and responsibilities
Reporting to: Company Directors

About the role

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on finance professional to manage the finance function across our group. Accurate accounting, sound cash management and clear reporting to the directors are our priorities. The role can also include HR management and administration, with the scope agreed according to your experience and available hours.

The group comprises Katon-Ingram (IW) Holdings, Marine Data Systems Ltd, Comar Systems Ltd and Katon Ingram Ltd. Its activities span marine navigation and AIS equipment manufacture, together with property ownership and rental income.

We welcome applicants seeking full-time or reduced hours. The standard full-time working pattern is Monday to Thursday, 07:00 to 16:45. Alternative hours and the extent of HR duties can be discussed, provided the group’s financial requirements are fully covered.

The role is primarily office-based at Vittlefields Technology Centre, Forest Road, Newport, PO30 4LY. Some remote working may be agreed for suitable duties, alongside the on-site attendance needed to support the businesses.

The position is available immediately, with an early start preferred. However, applicants currently serving a notice period are also encouraged to apply.

Financial responsibilities

•  Manage day-to-day accounting, ledgers and financial processes across all four companies, maintaining accurate records and effective financial controls.

•  Prepare timely management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations and financial reports for each company, together with group summaries and commentary for the directors.

•  Prepare budgets, forecasts, cash-flow projections and financial analysis to support planning, performance review and commercial decisions.

•  Liaise directly with Sales and Purchasing to ensure product costs, selling prices and customer discounts are accurately calculated and reviewed to maintain appropriate profit margins.

•  Manage banking, cash resources and working capital, with appropriate payment authorisation and controls.

•  Maintain and reconcile intercompany balances, shared cost allocations, property rental income and related accounts.

•  Manage the purchase ledger, reconcile supplier statements and arrange authorised payments within agreed terms, liaising with Operations and Purchasing to resolve invoice queries.

•  Monitor customer accounts, manage credit control and provide aged-debtor and debtor-day reports.

•  Maintain VAT records, prepare VAT returns and liaise with external accountants and advisers on tax and reporting requirements.

•  Collate and check monthly payroll information, including attendance, overtime and pay changes, and submit it to the external payroll bureau. Review the bureau’s payroll output and arrange staff payments based on the approved figures.

•  Prepare year-end accounts and supporting schedules, and provide information to the group’s accountants and auditors.

•  Coordinate R&D tax relief claim information, preparing project cost schedules and supporting evidence with engineering colleagues for the accountants, auditors and tax advisers.

•  Improve financial processes and reporting, and provide analysis for business opportunities and other relevant financial matters.

HR responsibilities according to the agreed role

Where included within the agreed remit, manage HR administration and coordinate employment policies and procedures, working with the directors, managers and external advisers as appropriate. Duties may include:

•  Maintaining confidential personnel records, employment contracts and job descriptions, and acting as the first point of contact for HR queries.

•  Administering attendance, leave and absence records through an online HR platform, and approving holiday requests in consultation with managers to ensure adequate staff cover and continuity of essential business functions.

•  Coordinating recruitment, agency liaison, interviews, correspondence and onboarding, and supporting managers with employee matters.

Essential experience and skills

•  Proven ability to manage a finance function independently, including management accounts, reconciliations, budgeting, cash-flow forecasting, VAT and year-end preparation.

•  Full working proficiency in both Sage 50 and Sage 200.

•  Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, and confidence with associated applications. Effective Excel skills for financial analysis and reporting are essential.

•  Accuracy, discretion and sound judgement, with the ability to organise competing priorities and meet deadlines.

•  The ability to explain financial information clearly and work constructively with directors, colleagues and external advisers.

Desirable experience

•  A recognised accounting qualification or equivalent relevant practical experience.

•  Experience in international trade, especially the financial aspects of importing and exporting, is particularly desirable. Manufacturing and multi-company accounting experience would also be valuable; familiarity with intercompany rental invoicing would be an advantage.

•  Experience of preparing supporting information for R&D tax relief claims.

•  Practical HR experience and knowledge of employment procedures, particularly for applicants interested in the broader remit.

Benefits and working arrangements

•  A four-day standard working week, Monday to Thursday, with flexibility to agree reduced or alternative hours appropriate to the role.

•  Five weeks’ paid annual leave, plus public holidays falling on your agreed normal working days. Entitlement is adjusted for the agreed working pattern; Friday public holidays do not add leave under the standard Monday-to-Thursday pattern.

•  Workplace pension through NEST and free on-site parking.

•  A varied role in a small, supportive team, with opportunities for professional development and a direct contribution to the group.

Why join us

Marine Data Systems is an award-winning British manufacturer of marine navigation and control systems for commercial and defence customers worldwide, and a recipient of The Queen’s Award for International Trade. Comar Systems designs and manufactures AIS transponders and receivers for global vessel tracking. We value engineering expertise, quality, reliability and customer service.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter to [email protected], outlining your finance experience, relevant software skills and any HR experience. Include your preferred hours, salary or hourly rate expectations, notice period and earliest start date.

Closing date: Monday 16 November 2026.