Strategic Finance Controller & BI Leader

Story Decorating Group Ltd

Carlisle

On-site

GBP 90,000 - 120,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Story Decorating Group Ltd is seeking a Financial Controller to lead the finance function within the Senior Leadership Team in Carlisle. You will combine hands-on financial management with development of business intelligence, commercial reporting and digital systems integration.

The role focuses on continuous improvement through automation, data analytics and timely management information to support informed decision-making.

Qualifications

Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA or CIMA).
CIPP qualification or equivalent payroll experience.
Construction industry Financial Controller experience.
Extensive CIS, VAT and construction accounting knowledge.
Strong understanding of project costing and construction cash flow.
Advanced Microsoft Excel.
Advanced Power BI dashboard creation and reporting.
Experience integrating data across multiple business systems.
Strong Sage and Microsoft business application skills.
Experience producing automated executive reporting.
Confident operating as part of a Senior Leadership Team.
Sage 200 experience.
SQL, Power Query or equivalent BI tools.

Responsibilities

Be an active member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Support and challenge the Managing Director and SLT with commercially focused financial advice.
Promote financial discipline, accountability and continuous improvement across the business.
Lead by example and create a high-performing finance function.
Foster collaboration between Finance, Commercial and Operations.
Lead the company's financial strategy in line with business objectives.
Ensure strong financial controls, governance and compliance.
Oversee VAT, CIS, Corporation Tax, payroll and statutory obligations.
Manage external accountants, auditors, banks, insurers and advisers.
Develop financial policies and internal controls.
Lead budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.
Prepare monthly and annual management accounts with meaningful commercial commentary.
Produce financial modelling to support strategic decisions.
Identify financial trends, risks and opportunities.
Own the development and continuous improvement of financial and commercial reporting.
Design, develop and maintain executive-level Power BI dashboards.
Produce monthly SLT and Board reporting packs combining financial, commercial and operational KPIs.
Present financial information through clear visual reporting.
Develop real-time reporting to improve decision making.
Lead integration between Sage, HubSpot, EQ2 and other business systems.
Work with IT providers and software vendors to improve automation.
Ensure data integrity across all business platforms.
Reduce manual reporting through automation.
Work closely with the Commercial Director to review profitability and contract performance.
Support CVR reviews and project forecasting.
Challenge project performance and identify margin improvement opportunities.
Support commercial decision making through financial analysis.
Manage cash flow and working capital.
Produce rolling 12-month cash flow forecasts.
Manage banking relationships and funding requirements.
Research grants, levies and funding opportunities.
Provide strategic oversight of payroll, benefits, CIS and P11Ds.
Own finance systems including Sage.
Manage company insurance and governance processes.
Monitor project profitability, WIP and forecast final positions.
Review aged debt, retentions and applications for payment.
Support commercial recovery strategies.
Lead finance process improvements.
Automate reporting and improve efficiency.
Drive innovation through technology and data.
Lead, mentor and develop the finance team.
Promote accountability and continuous improvement.
Support training and cross-functional collaboration.