Financial Controller in Runcorn

MedPal is looking to appoint a capable, hands-on Financial Controller to help manage the finance function and provide the CFO with reliable, timely and accurate financial information.

This is a hands-on Financial Controller role working within a small team consisting of yourself and a Finance Assistant. The business needs someone who can lead the day-to-day finance operation, manage the monthly reporting cycle, strengthen controls and remain sufficiently close to the detail to ensure the numbers are accurate, timely and reliable.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the monthly reporting process, financial controls, month-end processes, reconciliations, payroll oversight, VAT, supplier payments and the day-to-day running of the finance team. They will also support the CFO with board reporting, forecasting, budgeting, fundraising support and statutory reporting requirements.

The role requires a strong technical and control-focused finance professional who can bring rigor to reporting, accounting processes, statutory requirements and group reporting, while supporting the CFO on wider commercial finance matters.

Key responsibilities

Include but are not limited to:

• Lead and manage the day-to-day finance function
• Maintain strong financial controls across the business
• Improve finance processes, systems and reporting routines
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes
• Ensure accurate processing of invoices, payments, expenses and bank reconciliations
• Manage and support the Accounts Assistant
• Ensure finance deadlines and reporting requirements are met
• Own the month-end close process
• Prepare monthly management accounts (P&L, balance sheet and cash flow)
• Complete and review balance sheet reconciliations
• Produce monthly reporting packs for senior leadership and the board
• Deliver variance analysis against budget and forecasts
• Support year-end statutory accounts and external audit processes
• Lead on technical accounting and IFRS matters where required
• Liaise with auditors, tax advisers and external stakeholders
• Support cash flow forecasting and working capital management
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling
• Monitor financial performance and identify risks and opportunities
• Oversee VAT, payroll, PAYE and compliance processes
• Improve use of Xero, reporting structures and finance system automation

Person specification

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant, likely ACA, ACCA or CIMA, with strong experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or similar role.

They must be comfortable in a hands-on SME environment where the finance function is still developing and where practical involvement, ownership and attention to detail are required.

• Qualified accountant or qualified by experience with strong relevant background.
• Strong financial control and reporting experience.
• Good balance sheet control and reconciliation discipline.
• Experience leading month-end close.
• Strong management accounts experience.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge.
• Experience with statutory accounts and audit processes.
• Good understanding of IFRS and consolidations, or the ability to lead these areas with support from advisers where needed.
• Strong cash flow and working capital awareness.
• Experience managing finance support staff.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, growing business.
• Experience in healthcare, pharmacy, technology or regulated environments.
• Experience with AIM-listed companies or group reporting.
• Experience improving finance systems and processes.
• Experience supporting fundraising, investor reporting or lender reporting.