Senior Finance Manager (9 to 12 months maternity cover) in England

Thermal Energy International is a professional engineering company based in Bristol UK, with operations in Ottawa, Canada and Pittsburgh, US. We design and manufacture energy saving products and deliver large projects for global manufacturing industries and other organisations across the world. Our customers range from large multinationals to smaller manufacturers; oil refineries to hospitals, chocolate factories to laundries. We implement our main technologies around the world, into their steam and hot water boiler systems saving them carbon, energy, time and money.

The Bristol office is happy, dynamic and a lovely place to be. The company is growing, and we proudly deliver solutions around the world. At TEI UK, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace knowing that every perspective is a valuable part of our success. We have invested in a new office and production facility at Brislington which is welcoming, collaborative and together with our hybrid style of working, is aimed at helping you to achieve a fulfilling work-life balance.

This is a full-time fixed term contract for a Senior Finance Manager maternity cover role, with flexibility for hybrid work. The successful candidate will report directly to the Finance Controller and will be supported by Finance Assistants responsible for Accounts payable and Accounts receivable.

We are looking for a candidate who is a fast learner and can hit the ground running by learning the accounting process thoroughly so that he/she can also act as the backup for the finance assistants and finance controller when needed. Any previous experience in a Controller position will be advantageous. This individual needs to be capable of providing training and mentoring to the team. This position requires the utmost accuracy and attention to detail, as well as superb bookkeeping skills.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monthly payroll and pension processing for UK and Europe employees including journal posting and related reconciliations.
• Calculate commissions for sales employees; handle all commission related inquiries from sales team and senior management team; and book commission accruals monthly.
• Managing monthly and quarterly VAT returns for the UK and some countries in Europe.
• Responsible for construction contracts reporting such as CIS and RCT reporting in order to comply with tax regulations and reporting requirements.
• Taking a lead role in control account reconciliations, prepayments, accruals and recharges.
• Review accounting transactions entered by the finance assistants including AR, AP, Payroll, Inventory, and bank transactions to ensure accuracy.
• Maintain vendor and customer relationships and handle inquiries from vendors, customers and internal members related to payments and receipts.
• Responsible for the completion of the month end process reviewing with the Financial Controller and production and analysis of monthly, quarterly and annual P&L and Balance sheet and schedules.
• Support the management of the annual audit process, including preparing statutory financial statements, audit schedules, liaising with auditors, and addressing audit queries.
• Working with the financial controller to implement stronger financial controls and processes.
• Support the drive for process improvements and automation initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of financial reporting processes.
• Provide bookkeeping guidance to the team on a daily basis and provide backup support when a team member is on vacation or leave or during a team transition.
• Other tasks and ad-hoc projects assigned from time to time.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years ICAEW/ACCA accounting qualification or equivalent or qualification by experience with proven knowledge of IFRS reporting.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage deadlines.
• Self-starter, ability to identify issues and resolve problems.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office suite skills particularly MS Excel.
• Proficiency in using accounting software. We currently use SAGE 50 with ERP system migration in the pipeline.
• Good understanding of Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet Reporting.
• Experience gained in a similar environment (manufacturing, engineering, distribution, construction, etc.) is advantageous but not essential. Familiarity with project accounting will also be an added advantage.