Financial Controller in Bristol

We are looking for a Financial Controller to join the Great State team. Working with the Joint Managing Directors, the Financial Controller will ensure financial accuracy and be a driver of commercial success. The Financial Controller position is responsible for the overall accounting operations of Great State, including the production of financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the company's reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with accepted accounting principles.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional accountant, hands-on with company finances, and commercially aware to support us in how to optimise our financial performance. The Financial Controller will report into one of the Joint Managing Directors and will have line management responsibility for the Assistant Accountant.

At a high level they must:

• Work with the Assistant Accountant to ensure that the financial operations and processes for Great State follow best practice and industry standards.
• Manage and provide ongoing training to accounting and relevant personnel across the company.
• Manage and conduct the day-to-day financial functions.
• Conduct regular financial assessments and generate reports to be submitted to the senior management team.
• Present management information to key stakeholders on projected revenue, costs and cashflow.
• Establish and monitor budgets in accordance with the requirements of company departments.
• Develop annual financial plans and forecasts for the company and conduct analysis of financial risks and benefits on business initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day financial operations and processes for Great State ensuring they follow best practice and industry standards.
• Evaluate and improve current financial practices across Great State.
• Ensure that company financial systems are robust, compliant and support current activities and future growth.
• Manage and provide ongoing training to accounting and relevant personnel across the company.
• Line manage the Assistant Accountant including annual reviews, regular 121s and developing their training and development plan.
• Train relevant staff from across Great State on existing and improvements to financial practices.
• Induct new staff on financial processes and requirements.
• Manage and conduct the day-to-day financial functions.
• Processing invoices and payments in a timely manner.
• Credit control management including chasing payments and escalation.
• Oversee and advise on payroll processes.
• Trouble shooting and coaching to resolve problems and remove impediments.
• Monitor and manage company cash flow, ensuring adequate liquidity for operations and growth.
• Conduct regular financial assessments and generate reports to be submitted to the senior management team.
• Provide regular financial assessments and generate reports to be submitted to the senior management team on weekly (e.g. cashflow forecasts, accruals and prepayments), monthly (e.g. management accounts), quarterly (e.g. VAT forecast and budget forecasts) and annual basis (e.g. year-end management accounts, annual budget).
• Completing statutory obligations including corporation tax and quarterly VAT returns.
• Liaise with external accountants for annual accounts and audits.
• Providing information to and overseeing R&D claims with specialist tax advisers.
• Lead cost control initiatives across the business, driving efficiencies without compromising delivery.
• Establish and monitor annual budgets in accordance with the requirements of company departments.
• Work with various departments and individuals to help them plan and manage their own budgets.
• Monitor and report on annual budgets.
• Develop annual financial plans and forecasts for the company and conduct analysis of financial risks and benefits on business initiatives.
• Work with the senior management team (SMT) in developing strategies to improve the overall business performance from both a financial and efficiency standpoint.
• Form close working relationships with the Managing Directors and Heads of Department.

Skills And Experience:

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or equivalent.
• 5+ years' financial management experience.
• Strong knowledge of project-based accounting software and Xero (current financial software).
• Excellent data manipulation and analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of UK accounting, tax, and payroll compliance.
• Excellent financial reporting and analysis.
• Able to meet tight deadlines as needed.
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Previous experience in digital/creative/marketing industry advantageous.
• Excellent communication and influencer skills.

Behaviours:

• Clear communicator who can provide instruction in natural language without jargon.
• A leader who can encourage team members to be the best they can be.
• Charismatic and open personality.
• Authoritative.
• Calm under pressure.
• Honest, confident, reliable.
• Proactive and uses initiative.
• Decisive.
• Excellent all-round communication skills with all levels of staff – written and verbal.
• Strong commercial acumen.
• Ambition to develop into a Finance Director.

A minimum of two days a week required in the office with the remainder remote. We offer all the usual fun benefits associated with a digital agency plus flexible working hours, the ability to work from home and 27 days holiday.