Financial Controller

Austin Fraser; Anslow; Hybrid; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a qualified accountant to join their finance team during a period of exciting growth. This pivotal role involves overseeing financial reporting, managing a small finance team, and driving efficiency initiatives across multiple business entities. You will collaborate closely with the CFO and various departments to provide insightful financial analysis that supports strategic decision-making. With a focus on compliance, budgeting, and internal controls, you will play a crucial part in shaping the financial future of the organization. If you are passionate about finance and eager to make a significant impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Electric car (typically Polestar)

Private healthcare

25 days + statutory holiday

Hybrid working

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with post-qualification experience required.
• Proficient in accountancy software and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate financial statements and analysis for decision-making.
• Oversee accounts receivable and ensure efficient billing processes.
• Implement internal controls and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Financial Reporting

Budgeting

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification

Tools

Sage

Xero

Excel

PowerBI

Job description

SF Recruitment are delighted to be exclusively partnered with a privately owned, high-growth specialist group of businesses (group t/o approx £55m) based in Burton-on-Trent. This organisation is enjoying a sustained period of growth (both organic and through strategic acquisition).

This is an exciting time to join the business and work closely with the CFO, playing a key part in the financial management of the group of businesses. You will be an essential member of the finance team, providing timely, accurate, and insightful financial information to support decision-making and drive the growth of business operations. You will be instrumental in shaping the future growth of the interlinked business entities, contributing to long-term profitability, and overseeing the management and development of the finance team.

The role will also involve leading and delivering special projects as required by the Group Leadership Team. These projects may include process improvements, system upgrades, or supporting the integration of new businesses. You will also play a key role in driving financial efficiency initiatives, supporting business growth, and enhancing financial reporting across the network.

*Please note that there will be a requirement as part of this role to travel once (potentially twice) per week to one of the larger business entities in West-Birmingham.*

Package:

Salary - c.£70,000 p.a d.o.e.
Electric car (typically Polestar)
Private healthcare
25 days + statutory holiday
Hybrid working (ideally 4 days per week in office, however variance to this is available subject to discussion)
Flexibility where required (and suiting business requirements) for individuals requiring this subject to discussion
Life assurance

About the role:

Overseeing a finance team of 3 (1x management accountant & 2x finance assistants), you will work closely with key internal stakeholders including ops, sales and finance across the business portfolio, also operating and liaising with key customers and suppliers.

Key responsibilities will include:

Financial Reporting and Analysis

1. Deliver accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
2. Analyse and interpret financial data to identify trends, variances, and potential areas for improvement, providing actionable insights to senior management.
3. Collaborate with operational management to understand business performance, identifying key drivers of profitability and areas of financial risk.
4. Provide detailed financial commentary to support operational and strategic decision-making.

Sales and Receivables Management

1. Oversee the management of accounts receivable, ensuring timely collections and efficient credit control procedures.
2. Liaise with the sales teams to optimise revenue generation and ensure efficient billing and collections processes.

Cost Control and Expense Management

1. Monitor operating expenses to ensure they remain within budget and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
2. Analyse departmental expenses and prepare regular cost reports for managers, helping them manage their respective budgets more effectively.
3. Support the management team in setting realistic expense targets and providing advice on cost management strategies.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

1. Ensure the group's financial operations comply with relevant accounting standards, tax regulations, and industry-specific laws.
2. File all required tax returns and reports within the required deadlines, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records.
3. Work closely with auditors and external stakeholders to ensure compliance during regular financial audits.
4. Ensure timely and accurate preparation and submission of information to statutory authorities such as HMRC & Companies House, adhering to regulatory requirements.

Budgeting and Forecasting

1. Lead the preparation of the dealership's annual budget, incorporating sales projections, expense forecasts, and capital requirements.
2. Monitor budget performance and provide variance analysis, recommending corrective actions where necessary.
3. Oversee forecast cash flow and ensure sufficient liquidity to meet operational needs and investment plans.
4. Provide financial insights and recommendations to align budgetary goals with overall business objectives.

Internal Controls

1. Implement and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate the risk of fraud or financial mismanagement.
2. Conduct regular internal audits to ensure financial procedures are being followed correctly across the network.
3. Work with the leadership team to assess financial risk and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

Payroll

1. Oversee and authorise the accurate and timely processing of weekly and monthly payroll across the group.
2. Ensure full compliance with pension regulations, including auto-enrolment and ongoing contribution requirements.
3. Manage payroll-related tax reporting, ensuring accurate calculations and submissions to HMRC.
4. Lead the preparation and timely submission of statutory year-end payroll returns, including P11Ds and P60s.
5. Monitor legislative changes impacting payroll and ensure internal processes remain compliant with employment tax and reporting requirements.

About You

You will be a fully qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) accountant with suitable post-qualification experience in a comparable role. You will be proficient in the use of accountancy software (Sage/Xero or similar) alongside data analysis tools (i.e. Excel, PowerBI) with a strong ability to utilise and leverage technology to drive efficiency in financial reporting and analysis.

You will have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for identifying financial trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement. You will be able to demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with various departments and present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

Prior industry experience in the automotive industry would be advantageous however not essential.

This is an exciting time to join the organisation - please click apply to express interest.

Unfortunately, Visa sponsorship is not available with this role - due to the volume of interest in the role, we are unfortunately only able to respond to suitably experienced and qualified candidates.