Group Financial Controller in London

Overview Mercer & Hole is a Top 50 accountancy practice, which has just celebrated its 120-year anniversary. We remain independent with 28 partners and approximately 300 employees across our four offices. We provide comprehensive accounting, tax, and advisory services to a diverse clientele. Given the ongoing success of the firm we are now seeking a highly skilled and experienced Group Financial Controller to join our team, to harness efficiencies and make a valuable contribution to the firm's growth.

Main function of job The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the whole firm. Working through the internal Finance team, you will be expected to secure robust financial control, provide accurate reporting and ensure that we are compliant with regulatory requirements. In this way you will help provide financial guidance to senior management with timely, high-quality insights to drive performance, profitability and sustainable growth.

• Financial Control and Reporting

• Review the monthly management accounts, and prepare reports for partner meetings and the management committee.
• Manage and oversee the month-end closing process, ensuring all financial transactions are accurately recorded and reported in a timely manner. A key objective will be to streamline and reduce our month end close process.
• Ensure all reporting from our practice management software, CCH, is accurate and reconciled.
• Responsibility for ensuring all accounting and calculations required to maintain partner capital accounts are completed timely and accurately, as well as all necessary reporting.
• Prepare and present accurate and timely financial statements, and coordinate and manage the annual audit process. Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

• Budgeting, Forecasting and Performance

• Manage the annual budget process and oversee subsequent reforecasting as appropriate.
• Conduct financial analysis and provide insights to support business decision-making, including regular flash reporting and KPIs for partners.
• Ensure charge out rates are appropriately set and communicated across the firm.

• Cashflow and Working Capital

• Monitor cash flow and manage working capital requirements.
• Oversee the credit control function, ensuring timely collection of outstanding balances, accurate debtor reporting, and effective processes to minimize overdue accounts.
• Maintain and manage our banking relationship with HSBC to ensure smooth and efficient banking operations.

• Compliance and Governance

• Oversee client accounts in line with the ICAEW client money regulations, ensuring that all client funds are handled and recorded accurately.
• Oversee the preparation and review of our VAT returns, ensuring they are accurately compiled and submitted in compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Work closely with HR to ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time, including managing employee benefits and deductions. Ensure all payroll-related reporting and compliance requirements are met.
• Support tax planning and compliance for the group.

• Leadership and Team Management

• Manage and oversee the daily operations of the finance department.
• On an ongoing basis, lead, mentor, and develop the internal finance team.
• Allocate work effectively and ensure high standards of accuracy and timeliness.
• Support succession planning and continuous improvement within the finance function.

• Systems and Process Improvement

• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and controls.
• Work with the project team looking to ensure that CCH is fit for purpose.

• Strategic support

• Collaborate with senior management to develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives.
• Act as a trusted financial advisor to partners and senior leadership supporting the work of the COO.
• Support with the financial details of strategic initiatives the COO is being required to work on for the partnership.
• Provide financial input into business planning and decision-making with key stakeholders across the business.

Key systems used:

• Practice Management System (CCH)
• SharePoint
• Staffology Payroll
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Office Suite

Qualifications required:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified accountant with a minimum of 10 years of experience in finance and accounting, and at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Experience required:

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage and develop a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Demonstrated ability to be proactive and continuously seek out opportunities for change and improvement.

Values and behaviours:

• Our Values and behaviours are based on We really want to attract and retain individuals who share our Values:

• Together: The firm with the family feel. Express gratitude. Smile. Be humble and confident. Have fun.
• Resilient: Change is imminent, and business is imperfect. Be open minded & agile. Assume positive intent and exercise the power of positive thinking.
• Understanding: Each individual matters and will be heard and respected. Honesty, integrity, empathy and kindness are fundamental.
• Supportive: We support what is important to you and show kindness in our behaviour to each other. We encourage each other to realise our potential.
• Thrive!: We strive to be the best, innovate and always do exceptional work. That’s who we are and what our clients deserve.

Mercer & Hole is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Our people are our most valuable asset. We bring our life experiences, knowledge, creativity, and talents together at Mercer & Hole making it a unique place to work where all can safely thrive.