At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial controls and operations, driving excellence in reporting and automation.
- Company: Join Corona Energy, a leading independent energy supplier with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, profit share, private medical insurance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with modern offices and regular social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while working with innovative technologies and a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA/ACCA with experience in financial control and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
- Head of Financial Controls and Operations
- Head of Financial Controls and Operations
About Us
Corona Energy is a leading independent energy supplier with over 30 years experience supporting UK businesses.
We supply approximately 14% of the industrial and commercial gas market, serving around 17,000 gas and electricity customers across the UK.
At Corona Energy, our culture is driven by our people.
We are passionate about creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to make an impact.
If you are looking for a role where your expertise is recognised and your ideas are welcomed, wed love to hear from you.
About the Role
As Head of Finance Controls & Operations, you will be responsible for protecting the integrity of the Group's financial control environment while driving operational excellence across Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and transactional finance.
This role goes beyond traditional financial control.
Alongside ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, statutory compliance and audit delivery, you will lead the transformation of finance operations through automation, data, workflow optimisation and approved AI technologies.
You' will play a pivotal role in improving efficiency, strengthening controls and supporting the continued growth of the business.
Working closely with the CFO, CEO, Executive Leadership Team and shareholders, you will be a trusted business partner who combines technical excellence with commercial thinking, strong leadership and a passion for continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities
In this role you will lead a team responsible for financial reporting, legal entity control and finance operations, with responsibility for:
- Financial Control & Reporting
- Leading the monthly close process, ensuring timely, accurate and insightful Group reporting.
- Delivering statutory accounts and IFRS-based financial reporting across the Group.
- Maintaining a robust financial control environment, including balance sheet reviews, entity attestations, impairment assessments and financial reporting for Board meetings.
- Producing high-quality analytical reviews for Group and subsidiary performance.
- Leading the annual external audit and supporting internal audit activity.
- Identifying and resolving accounting, control and reporting issues before they impact financial performance.
- Legal Entity Control
- Overseeing Legal Entity Control across the Group's holding, supply and trading businesses.
- Ensuring legal entity reporting is accurate, fully evidenced and compliant.
- Reviewing entity performance and presenting financial results and key issues to senior finance leadership.
- Managing intercompany accounting, funding arrangements and balance settlements.
- Overseeing accounting for derivatives, hedging, collateral and margining activities.
- Supporting Group Tax with corporation tax, VAT, Climate Change Levy (CCL) and wider compliance activities.
- Finance Operations
- Leading Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and wider finance operations teams.
- Driving operational excellence across cash allocation, Direct Debits, refunds and transactional finance controls.
- Delivering efficiencies through the continued optimisation of Medius, including vendor management, purchase orders, invoice approvals, payments and expenses.
- Developing the Accounts Receivable automation roadmap, improving cash application, remittance matching, bank reconciliation, exception handling and workflow automation using approved AI tools.
- Establishing meaningful operational KPIs and ensuring service performance meets business expectations.
- Transformation & Continuous Improvement
- Identifying opportunities to improve controls, systems and processes across Finance.
- Partnering with Projects, IT, Treasury and Commercial Finance to deliver finance transformation initiatives.
- Driving greater use of automation, workflow, Power Platform, Power BI, Copilot and other approved technologies.
- Supporting scalable finance processes that enable future business growth.
- Leadership
- Leading, coaching and developing a diverse finance team across qualified accountants and finance operations professionals.
- Building capability, succession and accountability within Financial Control and Finance Operations.
- Creating a culture of ownership, collaboration, continuous improvement and high performance.
What we are looking for in you
The ideal candidate will be an experienced finance leader who enjoys combining technical accounting with operational improvement and transformational leadership.
You will be comfortable in influencing senior stakeholders, challenging where appropriate and leading change while maintaining strong governance.
Skills and experience
- ACA or ACCA qualification with significant post-qualified experience (CIMA considered where technical accounting experience is strong).
- Extensive experience in financial control, IFRS reporting, statutory accounts and external audit.
- Strong Legal Entity Control experience across multiple companies.
- Proven people leadership of sizeable finance teams, including qualified accountants and transactional finance functions.
- Experience leading Finance Operations, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and working capital processes.
- A track record of delivering finance transformation, process improvement and automation initiatives.
- Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail and sound accounting judgement.
- Experience delivering high-quality reporting to Executive and Board-level stakeholders.
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while consistently delivering to tight reporting deadlines.
- Experience within Energy, Utilities, Financial Services, regulated industries or other B2B businesses would be advantageous, as would experience with Microsoft Dynamics, Medius, Power BI, Power Platform, Copilot or similar technologies.
Benefits we offer
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Annual profit share
- Contribution pension scheme
- Enhanced annual leave
- Private medical and dental insurance
- Life assurance and income protection
- Birthday leave
- Career development and progression opportunities
- Online learning account
- Fresh fruit, breakfast and snacks every day
- Regular social events and company celebrations
- Modern offices with a genuine community feel
- Free onsite parking
At Corona Energy, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and discovery.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances.
We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we will make reasonable adjustments if you need them.
For this or any other assistance, please get in touch with the recruitment team.
Head of Financial Controls and Operations - Watford in Wells employer: Corona Energy
At Corona Energy, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Watford that fosters professional growth and collaboration. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including wellness programs and engaging social events, making it a rewarding place to advance your career as a Senior Financial Accountant. Join us to be part of a supportive culture where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Controls and Operations - Watford in Wells
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Controls and Operations - Watford in Wells
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Corona Energy.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Corona Energy's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Corona Energy
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Corona Energy.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Corona Energy will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Corona Energy employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
