Financial Controller

The Kennel Club; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Financial Controller to provide strategic financial oversight and leadership. In this pivotal role, you will partner with the executive team to enhance decision-making through insightful financial analysis. You will lead the accounting operations, manage financial risks, and develop a high-performing finance team. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape financial strategy and contribute to the organization's growth while ensuring compliance and maximizing asset value. If you are a proactive leader with a passion for financial excellence, this role is your chance to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or similar role.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge with CA qualification.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial oversight and lead accounting operations.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the executive team on financial matters.

Skills

Financial Analysis

Team Leadership

Risk Management

Strategic Planning

Advanced Excel

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CA)

Tools

ERP systems (NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics)

Job description

Job Details:

Job Title: Financial Controller

Salary: Competitive

Location: London/Hybrid

Closing date: 5 May 2025

Join our team as a Financial Controller!

As Financial Controller you will provide strategic financial oversight across reporting, budgeting, compliance, and internal controls to ensure robust and accurate financial management. This role will act as a key business partner to the senior executive team, providing financial insight and leadership to support strategic decision-making. You will also be responsible for leading accounting operations, managing cash flow, audits, and financial risk while developing and guiding a high-performing finance team.

The Financial Controller will lead and develop The Kennel Club's financial accounting and controls function to ensure compliance with statutory and fiduciary responsibilities while maximising asset value. Additionally, they will oversee the delivery of accurate and timely group month-end accounts, support business analysis, and contribute to the company's growth strategy.

Strategic Business Partnering

1. Act as a trusted advisor to the executive team, offering insightful financial analysis and constructive challenge to enhance performance and decision-making.
2. Collaborate closely with department heads to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
3. Providing support to the CFO on growth strategies, specific projects and ad-hoc business analysis requests.

Financial Control and Risk Management

1. Leading accurate and timely delivery of the monthly and year-end close processes.
2. Oversee the risk management process and act as main liaison during annual audits.
3. Oversee all transactional and financial accounting operations, ensuring strong internal controls and compliance.

Reporting

1. Developing and maintaining financial and operational dashboards for internal stakeholders.
2. Presenting performance reports with recommendations to improve efficiency and revenue.

Finance System Management & Improvement

1. Leading the implementation of a new finance system to meet the growing needs of the business.
2. Identifying opportunities for automation and improved reporting tools moving from existing accounting system to new accounting system.

Team Leadership & Development

1. Lead, grow and mentor a team of qualified finance professionals, fostering growth and accountability.
2. Creating a culture of commercial awareness and professionalism within their team and with stakeholders, focusing on outcomes, maximising efficiency and effectiveness.

Other Responsibilities

1. Perform other duties as directed by the CFO or Chief Executive.
2. Delivering the production of the financial accounts, including the financial statements section of the Annual Report, ensuring full compliance with accounting regulations.

The ideal candidate will have:

1. Proven experience as a Financial Controller or similar role.
2. Fully qualified accountant (CA) with strong technical accounting knowledge - CA qualified achieved in an accounting practice.
3. Proven experience in leading or supporting the implementation of an ERP system such as NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms.
4. Proven experience in designing and leading implementation from the finance team perspective of an ERP system such as NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms including the preparation of records for cut-over to a new ERP solution.
5. Proven experience managing a team of five or more staff and developing and growing a high-performing finance team.
6. Strong understanding of statutory accounting requirements, audit processes, and financial risk management.
7. Previous experience in working with senior stakeholders and providing financial insights to support strategic decision-making.
8. Advanced Excel skills for analysis and reporting.

Additional Information:

1. If you are a member of The Kennel Club and are successful, you will need to relinquish your membership.
2. Please be advised that we cannot provide a sponsorship visa for this role.

About The Kennel Club

Formed in 1873, The Kennel Club exists to make a positive difference for dogs and their owners. Our key areas of activity include:

1. Helping potential dog owners find the right dog for them, and work with the dog breeding community to ensure those dogs are healthy and happy.
2. Supporting dog owners to access high quality training and pet insurance and provide a range of advice and support to help ensure the ongoing wellbeing of dogs.
3. Working with breeders, judges, competitors and exhibitors to organise world-class events and to develop the resources they need to thrive.

The primary objective of The Kennel Club is to improve in every way the welfare, health, and general wellbeing of all dogs throughout their lives, by means of various research and educational programmes, and our Charitable Trust. The Kennel Club is an organisation committed to promoting and protecting dogs' varied roles in society and defending the interests of all dog owners.