Finance Controller (Bedford)

Hours: Monday to Friday 40 hours per week

Company Summary: Bedford Battery is a family run business trading since 1929, now in its 4th generation. With a dedicated and loyal customer base we have branches in Bedford, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Warwick and Wellingborough, and we are proud specialists of premier automotive parts supply and distribution.

Working Hours: Monday – Friday (Flexible) between the hours of 07:30 – 18:30 – 40 hours a week.

Job Role/Description: Bedford Battery is seeking a driven and ambitious Financial Controller to lead the operational finance function, overseeing financial processes, controls, reporting and compliance across the business. In addition to supporting Bedford Battery branches, the role will also provide financial oversight and support to two subsidiary businesses: No.7 Coffee House and Lavendon Garage, ensuring consistency, accuracy and best-practice financial management across the group. The successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Management team, providing clear, timely and insightful financial information to support decision-making, performance monitoring and strategic planning. You will play a key role in continually improving financial processes, strengthening controls, enhancing reporting quality and ensuring full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Preparation of monthly financial statements, including P&L, Balance Sheet reconciliations, cash flows, variance analysis and commentaries.
• Oversee, review, and adhere to the budgets for each business department.
• Assist in company-wide budget planning.
• Ensure that all of the company’s financial practices are in line with statutory regulations and legislation.
• Analyse the financial climate and market trends to assist senior executives in creating strategic plans for the future.
• Interpret complex financial information and provide updates and information as needed.
• Supervise financial assistants and other employees in the facilitation of day-to-day operations, including tracking financial data, invoicing, payroll etc.
• Prepare official reports on a monthly and annual basis.
• Seek out methods and practices to minimise financial risk.
• Contract auditing services to ensure financial monitoring and compliance is up to date.
• Create and maintain relationships with service providers and contractors, including banking institutions and accountants.
• Update and implement financial policies and procedures.
• Maintain a policy manual for the finance department.

The above responsibilities are not exclusive or exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may be reasonably expected within the scope of the role.

Qualifications:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with at least 4 years post qualification experience, or 6 years QBE.
• Previous experience in a finance role is essential.
• Strong data analysis reporting skills with ability to navigate financial systems infrastructure.
• Experience of business development would be an asset.
• Strong ability to business partner and influence stakeholders.
• Experience with new projects.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to interpret financials into meaningful recommendations.

What We Offer:

• Remuneration: We offer a competitive salary.
• Development: We are committed to investing in our people, so we invest in you. Development is in your hands and we want to enable this so your progression at Bennie is only limited by what you want to achieve.
• Wellbeing: On-site small gym.
• Finally, our long-standing family tradition, of giving staff a Christmas turkey.