At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and reporting for a top veterinary wholesaler.
- Company: Join a leading independent veterinary wholesaler in Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible schedule, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to employee growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while supporting animal health.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Department: Finance
Reports To: General Manager / Managing Director
Direct Reports: Accounts receivable, Accounts payable & payroll administrator
Salary Band: £60k to £75k FTE commensurate with experience
We are a leading independent veterinary wholesaler dedicated to supplying high-quality pharmaceuticals, equipment, and consumables to veterinary practices throughout Ireland and agricultural merchants in Northern Ireland. Operating within a high-volume, tight-margin wholesale distribution environment, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, strong supplier partnerships, and efficient supply chain management. We are continually investing in our people, systems and processes to support sustainable business growth.
MISSION OF THE ROLE
As Head of Finance, you will take full ownership of the company's financial management, accounting operations, financial reporting and commercial performance. You will provide strategic financial leadership to the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team whilst ensuring strong financial governance, regulatory compliance and robust internal controls. Leading a transactional finance team, you will develop financial capability across the business by transforming operational data into meaningful commercial insight that supports better decision making. A critical aspect of the role is acting as the finance super-user and internal champion for our ERP system, Epicor Prophet 21 (P21). You will drive continual improvement of financial processes, optimise inventory and margin reporting, automate workflows and maximise the value of our ERP investment.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND KPI'S
- Leadership & Business Partnering
- Lead, develop and mentor the Finance team, creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Work closely with the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team to support strategic decision making.
- Provide detailed financial analysis and commercial insight to influence business performance.
- Build strong relationships across Warehouse Operations, Procurement, Sales and Customer Services.
- Embed financial understanding throughout the organisation.
- Support wider business improvement initiatives and cross-functional projects.
- Financial Control & Reporting
- Prepare accurate monthly management accounts and complete month-end close.
- Produce monthly and annual financial reports.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.
- Develop rolling cash flow forecasts and manage working capital.
- Produce statutory accounts and manage the annual audit process.
- Liaise with external auditors, banks and professional advisers.
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax legislation and HMRC requirements, including VAT returns.
- Maintain robust financial controls, policies and governance.
- Produce Board reporting packs and ad hoc financial analysis.
- Commercial Finance
- Monitor profitability, margins and business performance.
- Manage manufacturer rebates, supplier chargebacks and customer pricing agreements.
- Analyse business trends and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
- Provide insight into key commercial projects and investment decisions.
- Support departmental budget setting and monitor financial performance against targets.
- ERP (Epicor Prophet 21) Leadership
- Act as Finance super-user and system champion for Epicor Prophet 21 (P21).
- Optimise finance processes through effective use of P21 functionality.
- Integrate Order Management, Purchasing and Inventory modules with the General Ledger.
- Improve automation of manual financial processes and reporting.
- Configure financial controls within the ERP system.
- Develop system improvements that enhance reporting accuracy, inventory visibility and margin protection.
- Data Analytics & Business Intelligence
- Develop financial dashboards and KPI reporting.
- Provide insight into inventory, profitability, customer performance and operational efficiency.
- Support data-driven decision making throughout the business.
- Inventory & Working Capital
- Partner with Warehouse and Procurement teams to optimise inventory management.
- Oversee stock valuation, obsolescence provisions and inventory reconciliations.
- Audit unvouched receipts, goods-in-transit and inventory movements.
- Support effective cold-chain logistics costing where applicable.
- Configure and monitor customer credit rules within P21.
- Ensure robust three-way matching of Purchase Orders, Goods Receipts and Supplier Invoices.
- Payroll & Benefits
- Oversee payroll administration and employee benefits.
- Maintain confidentiality and compliance.
- Review external service providers and identify opportunities for improved efficiency.
TO APPLY
Please submit an updated CV detailing your relevant experience, skills and qualifications, and how these align with the requirements of the position. VSSCo reserve the right to enhance the criteria in the event of an unprecedented response and will consider any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. VSSCo are an equal opportunities employer.
Required Criteria
- Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CPA).
- Minimum five years' experience in a senior finance leadership role.
- Previous experience managing and developing finance teams.
- Strong understanding of wholesale distribution, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, logistics or B2B trading businesses.
- Demonstrable experience producing management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and statutory reporting.
- Excellent understanding of financial controls, audit and compliance.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Strong analytical, commercial and communication skills.
Desired Criteria
- Minimum 2 years' hands-on experience using Epicor Prophet 21 (P21).
- Experience using Epicor Data Analytics (EDA), SQL or similar Business Intelligence tools.
- Project management experience.
- Experience improving finance systems and ERP processes.
Skills Needed
- Compliance
- Financial Forecasting
- Financial Control
- Leadership
Benefits
- Vacation
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan and/or pension
- Flexible schedule
- Competitive salary
Head of Finance I Lisburn I £60,000 - £75,000 in Belfast employer: Beyond HR
Full Circle Generation is an exceptional employer located in Belfast, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises safety, innovation, and employee development. As a Mechanical Lead, you will benefit from competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth while being part of a team that values continuous improvement and environmental responsibility. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the field of mechanical maintenance within a supportive and forward-thinking culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance I Lisburn I £60,000 - £75,000 in Belfast
✨Get to Know the Industry Events
Dive into wholesale distribution trade shows and local industry meet-ups. These events are gold mines for networking and can even lead to job leads. Plus, getting face time with companies like Beyond HR can make you stand out!
✨Connect with Industry Professionals
Join online forums and communities specific to wholesale distribution. Places like LinkedIn groups or industry-specific Slack channels can put you in touch with insiders who know about the latest job openings at companies like Beyond HR before they even get posted.
✨Tailor Your Approach to Distribution Roles
When you apply for full-time roles, make sure your interactions highlight your understanding of supply chain management and logistics. Companies like Beyond HR want to see that you get the bigger picture and can contribute to their efficiency!
✨Follow Up Like a Pro
After you've sent in your application, don't be shy! Follow up with a brief message to express your enthusiasm for the role. This not only shows initiative but keeps your name fresh in the minds of recruiters at Beyond HR.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance I Lisburn I £60,000 - £75,000 in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Distribution Know-How:For a role in wholesale distribution, it’s crucial to highlight any experience you have with supply chain management or logistics. Make sure to detail any relevant projects or roles on your CV that show you understand how products move from point A to point B efficiently.
Quantify Your Achievements:When crafting your CV, don’t just list tasks; instead, focus on achievements that can be quantified. For example, mention how you increased delivery efficiency by a percentage or managed a specific number of vendors. Numbers stand out and prove you can make a difference at Beyond HR.
Tailored Cover Letter Approach:In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about wholesale distribution and what excites you about the specific challenges at Beyond HR. Show us you’ve done some research on the company, and mention any values or initiatives they have that resonate with you.
Highlight Team Collaboration Skills:Since wholesale distribution often requires working closely with teams, emphasise your teamwork skills in your application. Include examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with colleagues, suppliers, or stakeholders to improve operations or resolve issues.
How to prepare for a job interview at Beyond HR
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
In the wholesale distribution sector, being able to analyse market trends and inventory data is key. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled inventory management issues or implemented solutions that improved efficiency; this will show Beyond HR that you can handle the analytical side of the role.
✨Know Your Logistics Inside Out
Since logistics play a massive part in wholesale distribution, it's vital to familiarise yourself with the tools and software used in the industry, like ERP systems or supply chain management platforms. Mention any experience you have with these tools during the interview to impress Beyond HR.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that revolve around real-life situations in wholesale distribution, such as how you'd handle supply chain disruptions or manage relationships with suppliers. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies on these topics to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Long-Term Potential
As you're applying for a full-time role, Beyond HR will want to see your commitment to growing within the organisation. Be ready to discuss your career aspirations and how this role aligns with your goals, emphasising that you are in it for the long haul!
