Head of Finance (Peterlee)

YOU MUST BE RESIDING IN THE UK CURRENTLY, HAVE UK BASED EXPERIENCE AND NOT REQUIRE A SPONSORSHIP TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION. You must meet all the ‘essential criteria’ for your application to be considered and reside in the area within a commutable distance. This is an office based role so applicants who are not residing in the local area, or are relocating will not be considered.

Company details and job overview: Based on the outskirts of Peterlee, this established, high end retail and design company have a truly bespoke offering. At the forefront of innovation, they operate within a growing sector. Currently in a period of growth they are part of an international group. Working alongside the CEO, the business are looking to add expertise in the finance department by hiring a No.1 who will work alongside the senior leadership team to drive further growth. With a clear focus to double turnover in the coming 2 years, this is a unique opportunity in a fast paced, dynamic business.

Salary and Enhanced Benefits include: Salary up to £75000 p.a. plus excellent benefits, Bonus, Enhanced holiday entitlement.

Your new role as Head of Finance: As No.1 in finance you shall manage the day to day finance operation. A pivotal role in the company’s growth this position will help shape the future of the business. Supporting the company’s growth strategy this is a unique opportunity. Enhancing process and procedure to improve commercial information this role is hands on and will take the lead on month and year end activity as well as leading on strategy and improvements in other areas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting and Audit Oversight: Prepare and deliver monthly and quarterly management accounts as well as production of annual financial statements (balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements) in compliance with UK GAAP. Oversee the end-of-year accounts and audit, resolving discrepancies remaining first point of contact with the auditors. Liaise with external auditors to meet audit deadlines. Ensure financial data remains accurate.
• Tax and Compliance: Manage VAT returns, ensuring timely and accurate submissions to HMRC. Oversee PAYE and other tax obligations, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations. Complete mandatory ONS surveys within deadlines to avoid fines.
• Payroll Management: Oversee monthly payroll for the business across 2 sites in the UK, ensuring accuracy and compliance with UK employment law. Address past payroll errors, such as unlawful deductions and payment disputes. Implement pre-approval processes for payroll adjustments, ensuring consultation with staff to avoid legal issues.
• Process Improvement and Documentation: Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for payroll, VAT returns, financial reporting, and ONS surveys, addressing the lack of SOPs. Review and improve data entry/validation processes to prevent errors. Implement weekly financial reviews to catch discrepancies early.
• Budgeting and Cost Management: Manage budgets, ensuring operating costs are controlled while supporting growth initiatives. Support the CEO’s 5% logistics cost reduction, tracking and reporting progress. Prepare financial forecasts and budgets to support the growth strategy.
• Team Leadership and Support: Lead and develop the central finance team. Foster a collaborative culture.
• Stakeholder Communication and Collaboration: Provide financial insights to the CEO for strategic planning, including updates for Group on financial performance and cost-saving measures.

Experience & Qualifications Required to apply: The ideal candidate will have expertise in a similar role as a No.1 in finance. With strong technical skills and the ability to drive through strategic change, you will also have managed a small team and have the skills to enable business through performance monitoring. An influencer you shall have the skills and professional approach to drive financial accountability across a business to influence business results.

This is a unique opportunity to join an innovative and forward thinking business. Working alongside a commercially focused leadership team the role will provide an opportunity for the candidate to stamp their mark within a high performing division.