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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management, reporting, and budgeting for a growing SME.
- Company: Join a vibrant Liverpool-based company with strong values and a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a salary of £50,000 to £55,000 and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting growth phase with genuine career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Must have ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Work in a team-oriented environment that values employee development.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 77000 £ per year.
Job Description
- Community Housing Assoication
- Opportunity to lead a finance function alongside the Head Of Finance
About Our Client
Founded in 2007, Phoenix Community Housing is a not-for-profit resident-led housing association based in south London. Their approach empowers tenants and leaseholders to take a central role in decision-making and they have more than 3,500 shareholding members. The Chair is a Phoenix tenant and residents form the largest group on their Board.
Phoenix Community Housing own and manage more than 7,600 homes in the Lewisham wards of Bellingham, Catford South, Downham and Grove Park. They are committed to ensuring that their residents can enjoy warm, safe and dry homes while also working with a range of partner organisations on initiatives to benefit their community.
Phoenix Community Housing also have an active development programme, focused on high quality and sustainable design, and have won a number of architectural awards. They are the largest employer in the south of Lewisham with over 270 staff.
Job Description
Job Purpose
As a Financial Controller, you will be responsible for delivering professional customer service, work collaboratively across the organisation, and contribute to the success of the corporate plan. You will actively support residents and the community, promoting a One Phoenix approach and focusing on providing excellent homes and services while upholding the organisation's values.
Financial accounting:
- Oversee payments, purchase ordering, accounts payable, and ensure accurate recording of transactions in the general ledger.
- Lead the annual statutory audit, prepare statutory accounts, and coordinate with external auditors.
- Manage tax returns for Phoenix community Housing and subsidiaries (VAT, Corporation Tax) and ensure compliance.
- Approve monthly payroll with People Services, reconcile salary/pension accounts, and ensure control accounts are cleared.
- Prepare and monitor cash flow forecasts, process journals, and oversee company insurance administration
Management Accounting:
- Collaborate with finance business partners to provide consolidated monthly accounts, financial statements, and cash flow reports.
- Assist the Head of Finance in finalising all financial reports for the Executive Team and Board
Reporting:
- Participate in the annual budgeting process and update the business plan until Board approval is obtained.
- Assist the Head of Finance in preparing and submitting regulatory statutory returns to the Housing Regulator, Financial Conduct Authority, and Companies House.
- Regularly review and maintain the Chart of Accounts to meet the organisation's reporting needs.
- Ensure internal compliance with the delegation scheme, report emerging issues, and update the Asset and Liabilities Register.
- Lead or participate in internal audits and stay updated on accounting standards to ensure compliance with best practices.
Rent & Service Charge:
- Manage the Rent and Service Charge Accountant to ensure proper accounting of rental and income transactions in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Inspire and drive team performance, ensuring development, target achievement, and value for money principles.
- Contribute proactively to residents and the wider Phoenix community Housing, fostering a collaborative environment.
- Take ownership of key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring positive outcomes and cross-team collaboration.
- Commit to ongoing training, model professional behaviour, and adhere to Phoenix Community Housing values, policies, and regulation
The Successful Applicant:
- Fully Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA, ICAEW, CIPFA etc)
- Significant experience as a senior member of a finance team within the Social housing Sector
- Experience of preparing VAT under the partial exemption regime, and a VAT shelter
- A positive approach to excellent customer service, care delivery and a commitment to quality
- Can demonstrate working independently and as finance lead with board responsibilities. (Experience in a Mid sized Housing Association is preferable).
What's on Offer
We would like to offer the successful candidate:
- £73,751 per annum
- Hybrid working, with 2 days in the office
- Access to a wide range of perks and discounts
- Employee assistance program.
- Cycle to work
- Healthcare scheme
Contact
Eze Ewuzie
Quote job ref: JN-052025-6747594Z
Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.
Financial Controller employer: Michael Page
Contact Detail:
Michael Page Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific financial software and tools commonly used in SMEs. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these systems during the interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s values and culture thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, as they are looking for someone who fits well within their supportive and inclusive environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles. Highlighting your experience with financial planning will show that you can contribute to their growth effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in SMEs. They can provide insights into the role and may even refer you to opportunities within their networks.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant qualifications, such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. Emphasize your experience in financial management, reporting, and budgeting to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your detail-oriented nature and your ability to oversee company accounts. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to financial growth or improved internal controls in previous roles.
Highlight Interpersonal Skills: Since good communication and interpersonal skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a team and communicate financial information clearly.
Showcase Your Understanding of Company Culture: Research the company's values and culture. In your application, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their supportive and inclusive environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
Make sure to highlight your ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how your education and certifications have equipped you with the skills necessary for financial management and reporting.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is key for a Financial Controller, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated financial information to non-financial stakeholders in the past.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to corporate accounting, financial reporting, and budget preparation. Brush up on relevant technical knowledge and be ready to discuss your experience with cash flow management and internal control policies.
✨Emphasize Team Collaboration
As a team player, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how they contribute to a positive work culture, which aligns with the company's values.
