At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, manage reports, and ensure compliance while mentoring a small finance team.
- Company: Join Schoolblazer, a pioneer in premium schoolwear with a third of the market share since 2004.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a pension scheme, and a bonus scheme plus other perks.
- Other info: Ideal for those looking to make an impact in a supportive SME environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team influencing strategic decisions in a growing company with a strong culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial leadership and strong knowledge of UK accounting standards.
The predicted salary is between 46800 - 78000 £ per year.
Job Title: Financial Controller
Location: Oundle, PE8 4HN, UK
Salary: £65,000pa
Reports to: Group Finance Director/Managing Director
Contract Type: Full-time, permanent
Company Overview:
Founded in 2004 Schoolblazer pioneered a new approach to schoolwear. We employ our own in-house design team and developed our own range of products, sourced directly. This has allowed us to deliver significant growth, giving us a 1/3rd of the market share in the premium schoolwear market.
Role Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Financial Controller to oversee the financial operations of our business. The successful candidate will play a key role in financial planning, management reporting, compliance, and process improvement. As part of the senior management team, you will contribute to strategic decisions and ensure the financial health of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and bank reconciliations
Manage the monthly management accounts and financial reports
Prepare the year end accounts ready for statutory audit
Prepare budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections, providing insightful analysis to support decision-making
Ensure compliance with statutory requirements (HMRC, Companies House, VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax)
Manage external relationships with auditors, banks, insurers, and tax advisors
Maintain and improve internal controls and accounting procedures
Lead and mentor a small finance team of 4
Work closely with other departments to support commercial decisions
Assist with funding, investment decisions, and business cases for new projects or initiatives
Contribute to the development of business strategy from a financial perspective
Requirements:
Essential:
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Proven experience in a similar financial leadership role, ideally in an SME environment
Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards and regulations
Excellent IT skills, especially Excel; experience with SME-level accounting software (e.g. Xero, Sage, QuickBooks)
Experience with ERP or business intelligence tools
Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
Commercial acumen and ability to influence senior stakeholders
Ability to multi-task and work to tight deadlines
Desirable:
Experience in retail and/or manufacturing is desirable but not essential
Benefits:
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Pension scheme
Bonus scheme
Death in service benefit
#J-18808-LjbffrFinancial Controller in Oundle employer: Schoolblazer
At Schoolblazer, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Oundle where creativity and innovation thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive culture, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits package, including 25 days of holiday and a bonus scheme. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and fosters professional development in the premium schoolwear market.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Oundle
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Schoolblazer. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Schoolblazer.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Schoolblazer. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Oundle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Schoolblazer and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Schoolblazer how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Schoolblazer
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Schoolblazer.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Schoolblazer's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
