Group Financial Controller (12m FTC)

Base pay range: £80-90k per year. Remote working with occasional meetings in London when required. Mid-February start.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee the monthly reporting close process for the companies within the Group.
• The monthly reporting close process includes:
• The creation of the month end reporting timetable and ensuring completion of all requirements by the business finance teams on time.
• Completion of the accounting and reporting for the central Group entities.
• Preparation of the Group monthly Board Pack including the consolidation of monthly financial results and statements for the businesses.
• Review of the business unit board packs for completeness.
• Attendance of the monthly business unit review meetings.
• Cashflow forecasting for the Group.
• Lead the external audit for the Group, supporting the business Finance Directors and liaising with other stakeholders as required.
• Support with the annual Corporation Tax returns by providing information and responding to any queries and questions.
• Produce the draft annual statutory accounts for each entity within the Group, to be reviewed by the CFO and external auditors.
• Lead the balance sheet reviews ahead of half year and year end for all businesses.
• Ensure Group payments on account are completed per their schedules for Corporation Tax and VAT.
• Submit quarterly VAT returns for the Group, reviewing line items to ensure VAT codes used are correct.
• Support the Chair and CFO with the annual business planning process for the Group, reviewing business submissions and consolidating packs for Board submission.
• Monitor Group cashflows ensuring all liabilities can be met, receipts collected by the business finance teams and there is sufficient cash available each month, flagging issues to senior management.
• Update the cash flow forecasting for the Group.
• Processing of the monthly corporate payroll for payment.
• Support with processing and approval of any AP or other ad hoc payments.
• Manage a team of three heads, that includes a Group Management Accountant, HR Technical System Analyst and Senior Payroll Administrator, supporting with any issues and providing cover for annual leave.
• Oversight of the corporate payroll process.
• Oversight of the corporate group systems.
• Oversee the Key Controls Framework for the Group, following up with control gaps within the businesses.
• Responsibility for the accounting system IRIS Financials and expenses system ASSURE and ensuring system access maintained, updated and system issues resolved.
• Maintain shared mailboxes for Financial, HR & Expenses systems, responding to queries and raising requests with service providers as required.

What we are looking for:

• Experienced Accountant, ideally with ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualification.
• Proven experience in a Finance Role with responsibility for month end financial close, delivery of controllership activities and business reporting, ideally for a small group of companies.
• Strong technical knowledge and experience in using finance software and systems, ideally IRIS Financials.
• Strong technical knowledge of relevant accounting standards.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
• An analytical, influencing and managerial skillset.
• Action-oriented: ability to turn goals into executable tasks effectively and do what is needed to deliver results.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated with high levels of energy and drive.