Head of Finance in Blackburn

Based at: Ewood Park stadium, Blackburn, BB2 4JF. Flexibility regarding location may be required.

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Responsible for: Finance Department

Hours of work: 40 hours per week, and any additional hours necessary for the performance of duties

Contractual Status: Permanent

Job purpose: To be responsible for Blackburn Rovers accounts (including its subsidiary and applicable parent accounts), reporting to the Chief Financial Officer on all financial and accounting activities on a regular basis.

Responsibilities

• Committed to ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all staff, customers and clients of the Club
• Provide day-to-day management of the Finance Department, including all relevant processes and performance
• Management and monitoring of all financial activities, including financial analysis as and when required by members of the Senior Management Team (SMT)
• Manage the Finance Department’s relationship with other stakeholders, internal and external
• Set and drive the strategy of the Finance Department in conjunction with the Club's overall vision and strategy, including embracing new technology, digital developments and any other relevant areas
• Responsible for Corporate Governance, ensuring the timely production of all Financial reporting requirements (returns and supporting documents to present to the Chief Financial Officer)
• Oversee the preparation of the Statutory Accounts for the Club, assisting also in the preparation of Statutory Accounts for applicable parent companies, liaising with auditors as required
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations (and other relevant tax and statutory bodies), including but not limited to PAYE, VAT, NMW, pensions (including auto-enrolment), P11D and other end-of-year returns
• Ensure compliance with all financial statutory and regulatory obligations of the Club, including the relevant football regulatory bodies such as the EFL, FA and PL
• Liaise with HMRC and any other external stakeholders on all financial matters when required
• Oversee and review the production of the monthly management accounts (budget/actuals/forecasts for both P&L and cashflow) in a timely and appropriate manner, for presentation to the Heads of Department and the Board of Directors
• Liaise with external stakeholders in a timely manner on the provision of financial information in response to RFIs
• Monitor and supervise all payments and receipts to ensure timely payment/receipt
• Manage cashflow forecasts and financing arrangements to ensure any potential shortfalls are identified and resolved in good time
• Report to the Board on regular rolling cash flow and P&L forecasts
• Oversee implementation and management of the budgetary process
• Lead on the development of financial controls and systems efficiencies within the finance function
• Maintain, develop and implement robust financial policy and procedures that mitigate errors, misstatement and fraudulent activity
• Oversee the maintenance of the Fixed Asset Register
• Ensure the financial terms of all contracts entered into by the Club are maintained and adhered to
• Represent the Finance Department at relevant meetings
• Produce ad-hoc financial reports and projects as required by the Board or Chief Financial Officer
• Perform any other duties as reasonably required by the Board or Finance Director from time to time

Skills

• Strong people skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under own initiative in a high-pressured environment
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to explain concepts in a clear and concise manner
• Strong project management skills
• Proficient in using software including Oracle Netsuite, Microsoft Excel and Word
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, developing relationships across the Club and with external stakeholders
• Competent and personable with good time management skills
• Always understands the importance of confidentiality and integrity
• Assertive, able to challenge in a constructive way
• Creative thinking skills and the ability to solve problems

Knowledge

• Excellent bookkeeping and accounting knowledge
• Knowledge of management accounts and processes
• Knowledge of football league practices, e.g., distributions, reporting, FCA rules, SCMP rules, EFL rules, UK GAAP, FRS

Qualifications

• Proven track record of working within a senior position
• ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified or equivalent (essential)
• Management qualification (desirable)

DBS check required: Yes (basic)