Our client, a highly profitable and integral part of an ambitious plc is a UK based market leader in the design and manufacture of an innovative range of products & solutions for the highly demanding domestic, commercial, and industrial construction sectors.
Operating out of state-of-the-art facilities in south Wales, the business operates with minimal impact on the environment and has a loyal and highly skilled workforce. It is well positioned for future growth and has a committed programme of continued investment in research and new product development.
They are now seeking an ambitious Financial Controller who will work alongside the Business Unit Finance Director and will be responsible for planning, implementing, managing and controlling the financial performance of the business and overseeing accounting operations to ensure the production and reporting of timely, accurate and relevant financial information.
Central to the role will be collaborative working across local cross-functional teams and there is a strong requirement to raise the profile of the finance function and to deliver added value around:- business partnering, decision making, process & systems improvement (ERP), budgetary control, inventory management and local reporting.
The Financial Controller will also manage financial risks, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and lead a team of Accountants, Credit Controllers and Accounts Assistants. It is anticipated that the appointee will be capable of being promoted to become the Financial Director for the business within a 2-3 year period.
The Role
- Manage the day-to-day financial operations with full functional responsibility for monthly management accounts close, preparation and Group reporting
- Pro-active business partnering; provide advice to non-financial managers on the financial implications of business activities and decisions
- Develop relevant, timely and accurate management information, including reporting against budget and forecast
- Support FD with monthly reporting, including “flash figures ” to local and BU Leadership Teams on performance against plans and budgets including financial and operational commentary
- Partner with FD in preparation of annual budgets and regular ongoing re-forecasting activity
- Preparation of accurate annual accounts in line with group framework and timelines
- Lead projects as part of the positive continuous development of finance processes, systems and ways of working
- Support the sales/commercial team on financial information required for bids & tenders with a firm focus on risk and credit management
- Ensure a robust accounts receivable function from invoice to collection along with maintaining & reviewing debt collection processes and a timely local credit control function
- Manage and develop the finance team to be a high performing team
- Complete reporting around performance, margins, return on sales, stock control, inventory management and cash flow
- Develop KPI’s and scorecards for all areas of the business, ensure robust processes are in place for capturing and reporting
- Evaluate Capex proposals / Business Cases and verify all financial information including savings, margins, ROI, R & D tax credits and post approval tracking
- Review existing financial systems including ERP (Oracle based) across the business; identify opportunities for improvement, enhancement of controls and simplification of process
- Provide recommendations to the Finance Director and the Group which will strategically enhance financial performance and business opportunities
- Manage the monthly payroll and payment run processing in line with group compliance and employee experience requirements
- Monitor internal controls, oversee audit processes and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation (including tax)
- Manage the internal and external audit process and ensure adherence to the Group Authorities Matrix and Minimum Control Framework
- Ensure accounting policies comply with UK GAAP, relevant accounting standards for financial reporting and Group policy
Candidate Profile
- A Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACA or ACCA) with a minimum of 3 years PQE and relevant “hands on” experience of operating within a highly demanding manufacturing environment
- Degree or equivalent
- Possess the ambition, technical skills, personal qualities and commercial acumen required to become the Financial Director in a 2-3 year timeframe
- Well-developed leadership and coaching skills; able to manage, motivate and develop the team
- A confident and effective communicator with the drive and motivation to deliver added value across the business and to raise the profile of the finance function
- A pro-active business partner who will take the lead in enhancing local reporting and drive improvement in process and systems
- An influential, team player with a “can do” approach, who is capable of promoting cultural change
- Able to develop open, collaborative relationships with local cross-functional teams and with the parent company for the provision of timely financial information
- Well-developed analytical skills to evaluate and interpret information for financial/ non-financial managers and support decision making
- Able to perform as a member of the local management team and make pro-active contributions across all activities of the business
- Strong IT and presentation skills, including familiarity with manufacturing and integrated business systems (ERP) and proficiency with Microsoft Office
- A good organiser with a strong attention to detail, who is able to work to tight and demanding timescales, resolves problems and manages conflicting priorities
- Strong ethics, well-developed strategic and planning skills; able to handle complex concepts & problem and make well informed decisions
- Conversant with current accounting standards, tax and legislation
- Commercially astute, with robust risk management skills; able to challenge where required on issues relating to financial direction, decision making and ambitions
- Experience of working as part of a larger Group is desirable although not essential
- A full UK Driving Licence
