Group Financial Controller in Leeds

Reports to: Group Finance Director

Location: Thorpe Park, Leeds, LS15

Salary: £70,000 to £75,000 dependent on experience

Hours of work: 37.5 per week. Hours of work will be flexible and dictated by the needs of the business; therefore, it is expected that the successful applicant will work those hours necessary to successfully discharge the duties of the role. The employee will ensure they are working from the office a minimum of 3 days a week (Monday - Friday).

Role Overview

Working as part of our Finance Team, under the leadership of the Group Finance Director, the Group Financial Controller will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity through the creation of a strong financial control environment. The Group Financial Controller will be expected to provide the Group with accurate and timely management reporting, ensuring all financial records are accurate for the 7 entities within the Group. This is a high-profile role where you will be expected to support the board and senior management in the accomplishment of the objectives of the business by providing financial and commercial input on business decisions and ensuring timely and accurate preparation of financial management information. This will include ensuring a system is in place to monitor compliance, developing relationships with external regulators and ensuring the Statutory Accounts are compliant and in accordance with the appropriate accounting standards. The successful applicant will need experience of consolidating group accounts and have a thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.

Key Outputs

• Oversee the Group finance function and ensure all financial records are accurate for all companies in the Group.
• Manage and support the performance and development of a team of 6 (qualified and non-qualified team members) incorporating Management Accountants, purchase ledger, sales ledger, cash management and all general accounting.
• Developing direct reports, establishing and documenting goals and objectives and performing monthly 1-2-1 review meetings.
• Responsible for full group month end close and preparation of group management accounts within 5 working days (including group consolidation routine).
• Responsibility over all financial reporting, ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of monthly management accounts, production of month end file and all associated reconciliations.
• Lead contact with external auditors & tax compliance teams for the audit of the financial statements of the Group including the preparation of statutory accounts under IFRS and annual Corporation Tax calculations.
• Reporting capital adequacy information to the relevant regulatory authorities and reviewing potential investment growth opportunities with third parties.
• Work closely with the Head of FP&A to ensure they have access to accurate information for budgeting and forecasts.
• Dealing with VAT affairs of the group including quarterly returns, VAT registration, dealing with VAT inspections and reconciliation of VAT accounts.
• Overseeing payroll processes ensuring correct payroll information is supplied to our outsourced payroll function and involvement in dealing with any payroll queries effectively.
• Manage group working capital in areas such as aged debt and cash flow forecasting.
• Drive the automation of key processes.
• Responsible for the implementation of new processing/accounting systems as appropriate.
• Aid in the creation of, and ensure adherence to, group policies and procedures in all subsidiaries.
• Developing a culture of continuous improvement and fostering an upbeat atmosphere.
• Other ad-hoc duties as and when required by the business.

Person Overview

A presentable and highly organised individual, with a keen attention to detail and a methodical approach to their work. An effective communicator, able to deal with colleagues, clients, third party lenders, solicitors and suppliers in a professional and confident manner. The successful candidate will have experience of working in a fast paced, busy finance department with the ability to prioritise and work to strict deadlines.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Mandatory

• 5+ years of combined accounting and finance expertise in a leadership capacity.
• Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA).
• Experience of consolidating group accounts.
• Strong technical skills including UK GAAP and UK taxes regimes.
• Excellent accounting software user skills.
• Experience of managing and developing a finance team of a similar size.
• Ability to work at a detailed level, but also at the 'big picture' level.
• Possess good time-management skills, with the ability to multi-task, work under pressure and plan workflow.
• Can work productively, efficiently and effectively with initiative and drive under tight timescales and pressure whilst maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, demonstrating a logical and methodical approach to all tasks.
• Energy and enthusiasm, builds rapport with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Experience of working under pressure to deliver against a range of issues and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent organisation, time management and multi-tasking skills are required for this role.
• Good attention to detail.

Desired

• Experience of working within the Financial Services sector.
• Working knowledge of Sage 200 accounting software.