Group Financial Controller in St Albans

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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the financial operations of the whole firm, working through the internal Finance team to secure robust financial control, provide accurate reporting, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• 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, aiming to streamline and reduce the month-end close cycle. Ensure all reporting from our practice management software (CCH) is accurate and reconciled. Maintain partner capital accounts with timely and accurate accounting and reporting. Prepare and present accurate and timely financial statements; coordinate and manage the annual audit process; ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Budgeting, Forecasting and Performance: Manage the annual budget process and oversee 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 credit control, ensuring timely collection of outstanding balances, accurate debtor reporting, and effective processes to minimise overdue accounts; maintain and manage the banking relationship with HSBC.
• Compliance and Governance: Oversee client accounts in line with the ICAEW client money regulations; oversee VAT returns to ensure accurate compilation and submission; work with HR to ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time, including management of employee benefits and deductions; ensure 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; lead, mentor, and develop the internal finance team; allocate work effectively and maintain high standards of accuracy and timeliness; support succession planning and continuous improvement.
• Systems and Process Improvement: Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and controls; work with the project team 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; 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

• 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.