Head of Finance

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Finance to lead our financial operations and drive the financial strategy of the organisation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in financial management and accounting, coupled with exceptional leadership skills. This role is pivotal in ensuring the financial health of the company while providing insightful analysis and guidance to support our growth objectives.

Responsibilities

• Line-manage the finance team and assist with recruitment of team members where appropriate.
• Oversee/review sales ledger, purchase ledger, cash posting and all general ledger entries.
• Handle VAT and tax duties, including corporation tax.
• Prepare accurate monthly financial statements within 5 working days of month end, with a fully integrated balance sheet, cash flow and P&L model. Provide quality reports to the board with clear information, commentary and recommendations.
• Review the financial statements, identify reasons if they don’t perform to budget, and make plans for corrective action if appropriate.
• Prepare financial budgets and regular forecasts, liaising with all managers and ensuring accountability and communication across all departments.
• Prepare and circulate a weekly finance report providing key info to management.
• Understand the business model and strategy going forward, review the growth plan, understand how each department will facilitate it and what is the financial plan underpinning it. Stress-test the financial plan and assess what resources are needed.
• Have a strong grasp of the sales pipeline and assist with sales forecasting to enable accurate forecasting of financial performance and cash flow.
• Analyse and understand which customers and products are making/losing money and where the opportunities are.
• Analyse and regularly review profitability of in-house production, make recommendations for improvements.
• Manage supplier payments and ensure all creditors are paid on time. Ensure procedures are in place to check and validate all invoices/payment requests.
• Ensure spending stays under control and within budget, hold regular review meetings with budget holders and assist with corrective action where needed.
• Monitor cash flow and working capital, forecasting well ahead and understanding what’s going to happen and what our requirements are.
• Inform and contribute to key strategic decisions and formulation of business strategies based on facts and data, including conducting feasibility studies.
• Manage and control working capital through optimising the company’s management of debtors, creditors, stock controls and related systems.
• Control and maintain the company’s fixed asset register.
• Monitor and evaluate financial information systems and develop improvements.
• Review KPIs across the business and recommend changes to drive financial performance.
• Implement corporate governance procedures, risk management and internal controls.
• Ensure we maintain correct and timely external reporting and compliance including tax computations and company filings. Represent the company in dealings with third parties such as HMRC.
• Manage FX exposure and hedging as appropriate given the supply chain.
• Maintain strong relationships with the bank and get the needed support from them.
• Prepare draft year-end financial statements and present to the external accountants with supporting information. Liaise with them to ensure completion and filing of accounts with Companies House.

Skills and Attributes

• Humble, hungry and smart.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles, procedures and software.
• Commercial awareness and sound judgement in business decision-making.
• A high level of numeracy and IT proficiency.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, able to understand figures and the issues they relate to.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to produce quality reports and clearly explain complex financial information.
• Good interpersonal skills & evidence of strong leadership and team working skills. Capable of dealing effectively with all levels of personnel.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
• Project management skills: able to effect & manage change.
• Determination to drive success combined with softer people skills.
• Integrity, loyalty and commitment.
• A high level of initiative and willingness to challenge the status quo.
• Ability to remain impartial and discreet at all times.
• Ability to work at pace, yet also calm, focused and results driven.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Aspiration to become Finance Director when the business grows to a level that requires one.

Desired Experience

• Proven working experience in a senior finance role.
• Preferably experience in manufacturing and distribution businesses.
• Experience with preparing budgets and financial statements, conducting feasibility studies, financial planning and reporting.
• Strong experience of working capital & cash management.
• Experience of business partnering, working cross-department to facilitate achievement of financial objectives.
• Experience of implementing and developing the financial performance measurement and management systems to support rapid commercial decision making.
• Experience of developing accounting processes and implementing/improving business systems.
• Familiar with FX management, including the establishment and operation of FX policy to manage currency risk.
• Experience in managing a team and working to tight deadlines.
• Involvement in and responsibility for key strategic decisions.

Other information:

• Hours of work: Monday-Thursday 08:00-17.00, Friday 08:00–16:00.
• Company phone and laptop, workplace pension, bonus scheme.
• Holiday: 31 days inclusive of public holidays.
• Location: Primarily office-based in Lowestoft, Suffolk. Remote working is also permitted on occasion.