Financial Controller

Accountancy Recruit is partnering with a distribution/assembly & service owner-managed business in the recruitment of an aspiring Financial Controller based in Newton Abbot, Devon. The purpose of the role is to lead the finance function to deliver all areas of financial reporting, management accounts, strategic plans, forecasting and actual results.

You will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team: reporting to the Board of Directors on all financial matters with the opportunity in the short to medium term to step up into a Finance Director role.

This is a successful business with a presence in the UK, Europe and the Middle East, with plans to extend that reach. You will be part of the SLT, delivering growth and driving finance across the broader business, with an emphasis on creating cohesive working relationships between Finance, Operations, Sales and Supply Chain.

Responsibilities
Financial Control
Maintaining an accountancy function that will generate clear business information to comply with statutory requirements, and allow Directors to make informed decisions:

• Steer the organisation towards achieving excellence in financial management by ensuring that systems and processes are fit for purpose and fit for growth, based on accepted good/best practice and embedded throughout the organisation.
• Develop the working relationship between the UK and European operations and smooth running of the integrated business. Have a good understanding of an entity trading within the EU and assist in advising on opportunities worldwide.
• Oversee all Management Reporting & Information to the Board & SLT, providing strong financial leadership and advice.
• Ensure financial integrity and control in a complex and changing environment.
• Cash flow and Treasury management, through maintaining and developing the company’s rolling cash flow model and adapting to changing forecasts.
• Managing FOREX exposure and currency requirements.
• Encourage continuous improvement and organisational development, particularly ensuring that those with governance and management responsibilities have the financial and planning capabilities necessary to deliver their roles effectively.
• Ensure that all statutory returns, including corporation tax and VAT are prepared and submitted in a timely fashion and in accordance with the Company Law.
• Provision of other relevant financial information to third parties, e.g. in relation to contracts, pensions, banking, insurance and other statutory obligations.
• Managing and develop a team of two: ensuring the integrity of all day-to-day transactional processes.

Business Planning
Support (and as requested by the MD) the successful delivery of the Group Business Plan, and act as the prime source of advice to the SLT on all aspects of financial management, stewardship and governance.

• Formulate and develop the financial elements of the business plan (strategic and annual), ensuring integration with the service and operational planning, and assessing risks and opportunities.
• Ensure that these plans are supported by a resource allocation and budget setting process which enables the financial and risk implications to be understood, analysed and the options properly evaluated.
• Maintain and update a 3-year cash flow and reserves model which can be used to assess future cash flow and the ongoing reserves position to further inform business planning decisions.
• Develop financial forecasting and projections for both revenue and capital which incorporates detailed input from all service areas.
• Work closely with the SLT to develop and assess new financial models which support business transformation initiatives or new business opportunities.

Leading

• Input into and shape the strategic direction of the organisation to achieve its vision and contribute to the development of the organisations strategic and annual business plans.
• Act as an effective Director within the corporate governance framework and demonstrate the values and behaviours of the organisation.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with the team and other stakeholders to ensure that the business grows cohesively and effectively, deliver value for money and provide excellent service.
• Coach, support, motivate, challenge and develop team members to enable them to deliver to the best of their ability.
• Lead with equality at the heart: we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Other areas of responsibility

• Compliance and Risk management, including legislative changes that may impact the business model, company insurances and data protection lead in the context of the Finance Leader role.

Requirements & Skills

• Fully Qualified; ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent qualification plus experience as Financial Controller / Director level or equivalent
• Substantial financial management, accounting and analysis experience in a commercial environment.
• Experience in businesses trading in the Eu and worldwide would be an advantage.
• Proven experience of Treasury, cashflow and FOREX management.
• In-depth experience of strategic planning, business planning and improving productivity and efficiency.
• Demonstrable knowledge of IR35, VAT and tax accounting issues.
• Proven ability to problem solves complex financial and operational issues and develop appropriate solutions.
• Strong IT and ERP skills, with preferred experience in distribution industries – ideally with assembly operations.
• People Skills: strong leadership and people management skills, great interpersonal and communication skills.
• The ability to champion change and create excitement for change whilst working in a fast-paced environment.

Remuneration
Salary £74-78,000 pa
Hours: 40-hour week. Flexible times
Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays
Pension: Auto enrolment
Office based – possible hybrid