Head of Finance

Westlakes Recruit; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial recruitment firm is looking for a Head of Finance/Cost Controller in Carlisle. The role involves managing a small team, overseeing financial processes, and ensuring compliance with audits and taxes. Candidates should have a relevant accountancy qualification and 5 years of experience in a similar role. Hybrid working arrangements support a balanced work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a similar role in industry.
• Experience leading strategic improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of export/international transactions is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Accounts department and team responsibilities.
• Produce timely Management Information (MI), financial reports, budgets.
• Oversee accuracy of monthly and annual accounts.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Time management

Organizational skills

Leadership

Education

Relevant accountancy qualification (ACA, CIMA, ACCA)

Tools

Pegasus Opera

Job description

Overview

Westlakes Recruit are currently recruiting for a Head of Finance/Cost Controller on a permanent basis in Carlisle, hybrid working will be supported (4 days in the office initially).

Overall Job Purpose
Leading a small team, you will be responsible for managing the Finance and IT department. Taking on the role of Company Secretary, you will be responsible for overseeing all company accounting activities whilst ensuring strong business processes are in place to manage positive cash flow management and accurate forecasting of debtors/creditors. You will also take ownership of producing timely Management Information (MI), preparing the company\'s financial reports, budgets and forecasts. You will ensure the business complies with all required audits, taxes and insurances as well as drive financial continuous improvement initiatives within the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of leading and managing the Accounts department and the team\'s responsibilities.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement; lead by example in driving efficiency in the Accounts team\'s own business processes and produce live, inventive MI and KPI\'s to promote ownership and accountability across the company\'s Managers to improve the financial success and profitability of the business.
• Act as Company Secretary for all incoming financial activity.
• Ensure timely preparation of company forecasts and annual budgets (including P&L and CAPEX).
• Ensure monthly and annual accounts are accurately prepared and submitted in a timely manner.
• Produce a range of financial reports (weekly/monthly/quarterly/annually) to ensure the Directors and Managers within the business are kept informed of progress against budget, including presentation of the figures at management meetings.
• Manage the annual statutory accounts, audit and tax process, liaising with the company\'s auditors and tax advisors.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with the company\'s banks and effectively manage all business bank accounts, ensuring that cash flow is carefully monitored.
• Oversee the management of all accounting transactions and purchase ledger payments including invoices, bills, and accounts payable and receivable (both UK and international).
• Manage overseas compliance including producing accounts for an overseas USA-based entity and liaising with US accountants, managing reporting requirements in relation to the Middle East branch.
• Act as the owner and point of contact for the company\'s Accounting system, ensuring the system in place is effective and fit for purpose.
• To lead the process of updating the accounting system in the near future.
• Ensure export paperwork is 100% accurate (experience with letters of credit, bill of lading, airway bills, commercial invoices etc would be seen as an advantage).
• Oversee management of the company\'s energy contracts, insurance renewal processes and any relevant claims. Manage currency trading for foreign currency payments.
• Ensure the team\'s payroll processes are accurate and robust to ensure adherence with the company\'s contractual requirements.
• Manage the Pension Auto Enrolment process and provide pension advice to employees as required.
• Oversee submission of monthly HMRC PAYE and VAT payments, Irish VAT returns and government grant claims.
• Ensure the team processes timely Research and Development (R&D) tax claims.
• Plan workload to ensure the team are covered as required e.g., Payroll Year-End (Y/E), Y/E stock/WIP, customer credit checks, IT support etc.
• Other ad hoc duties as the role may require.

Other Responsibilities

Health and Safety

The post holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the Company\'s Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Diversity

The post holder is required to have due regard to equal opportunities at all times, and to work in a fair and reasonable manner towards all people, ensuring service standards are maintained for all staff.

Quality

To support in striving to create a client service culture with total commitment to quality.

Behaviours

As a company, we set high standards of performance and ethical behaviours. The following company behaviours underpin the working environment and assist us in delivering our vision:

• Customer Focus
• Accountability
• Team Work
• Positivity
• Going the Extra Mile

Other Duties

The duties and responsibilities in this role profile are not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties from time to time within the general scope of the post. Any such duties should not substantially change the general character of the post. Duties and responsibilities outside the general scope of this grade of post will be mutually agreed with the post holder.

Person Specification – Financial Controller / Head of Finance

All criteria detailed below are essential, unless stated as "D" (desirable).

Education and qualifications

• Relevant accountancy qualification such as ACA, CIMA or ACCA.
• Minimum of 5 years in a similar role in industry.

Experience, knowledge and understanding

• Proficient in use of Microsoft Excel, including the use of pivot tables and vlookups.
• Previous experience in a strategic role with a proven ability to take the lead on improvement initiatives.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of the transactional activity required in the role and department.
• Manufacturing industry experience would be considered advantageous (D).
• Knowledge and experience dealing with export/international transactions would be considered advantageous (D).
• Knowledge of ODBC - Open Database Conn (D).

Skills

• Excellent attention to detail with ability to identify financial discrepancies.
• A strong communicator; both orally and in writing.
• Confident in the use of computer applications.
• Competent literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
• Current Accounting System in place is Pegasus Opera - experience of other enterprise management systems would be considered an advantage for this role as the business is open to considering other accounting/hr systems.
• Good time management skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities.
• Excellent organisational skills with ability to appropriately prioritise tasks.
• Ability to effectively liaise and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate complex data/information to range of audiences, making it simple and easier to understand.

Personal qualities and commitment

Committed to providing excellent financial support. Credible, working with tact, confidentiality, honesty and integrity. Able to benchmark to assess and implement new technologies to improve productivity / data reporting. Hard-working, reliable and punctual. Ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities. A proactive \'can-do\' attitude. A natural leader with a passion for continuous improvement.

Other factors

International experience an advantage. Driving licence (D). Flexible working as the business requires.

For more information on this role or to register your interest for future job updates, please visit (url removed). We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this role informally.

Equity and Opportunity: Westlakes Recruit are an equal opportunities employer and value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.