At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small finance team, manage accounts, and drive process improvements.
- Company: Join a market-leading SME in St Albans with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, hybrid working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, influence financial strategies, and enhance your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be Fully Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA with strong tech skills and leadership experience.
- Other info: Part-time options available; perfect for balancing work and personal commitments.
The predicted salary is between 46800 - 54000 £ per year.
Vitae Financial Recruitment are working with this market leading SME organisation based in St Albans that are seeking a Fully Qualified tech savvy Financial Controller to support the Finance Director for an initial Interim assignment (6-9 Months + with potential to go permanent). The business can be flexible for the right person in terms of hours and days i.e. 3 to 4 days will be considered, hybrid working is available (ideally 2 days plus in the office) and hours can be flexible around school drop offs for example.
We are looking for an experienced Finance Manager / Financial Controller who can nurture a small team, drive process improvements, implement workflows, automate processes, assist in driving the use of technology and create a strong controls led and efficient finance function that can support growth. You will be an excellent communicator who is able to play a key role within the Senior Leadership Team whilst also understanding and appreciating the hands on nature of an SME accounts department where you will be involved in end-to-end accounting.
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES- Leading and mentoring a small finance team of 4.
- Month-end and year-end close process, being responsible for balance sheet and P&L accounts.
- Preparing monthly management accounts and board reports.
- Preparing budgets and forecasts, as well as weekly cash forecasts.
- Managing cash position with banks.
- Preparing payroll, VAT, Corporation tax and liaising with auditors.
- Monthly and quarterly bank reporting.
- Producing and developing detailed MI reports and KPI Dashboards.
- Liaising with operations and sales teams to ensure financial controls and procedures are in place.
- Continually reviewing and improving existing processes and controls.
- Overseeing stock management - running monthly forecast meeting with sales and purchasing, reviewing stock levels, detailed reporting on stock performance and utilisation.
- Acting as the key contact for external stakeholders and advisors.
- Drive improvements and ensure that processes are scalable.
- Must be Fully Qualified ACA / ACCA / CIMA.
- Must be tech savvy with a proven track record of leading the use of technology / systems / IT / Automation etc.
- Can apply both top level stakeholder management whilst also being a 'hands on' / 'lead by example' operator.
- Ability to develop positive working relationships with colleagues and external contacts.
- A flexible approach to achieving team priorities.
- Commercially minded with a solid business acumen.
- Demonstrates initiative and positive approach to problem solving.
- Confident and credible leader and motivator of others.
- Excellent communication skills.
- A good technical accounting skills and happy being the main point of contact with Auditors.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and to work to deadlines.
Contact Detail:
Vitae Financial Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience with technology and automation in finance. Since the role requires a tech-savvy Financial Controller, be prepared to discuss specific tools or systems you've implemented that improved processes.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed and mentored a finance team. This will show that you can nurture talent and drive improvements within a small team.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the company's financial controls and procedures. Being able to discuss how you would ensure these are in place and scalable will set you apart as a candidate who understands the operational side of an SME.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your communication skills by thinking of examples where you've effectively liaised with various stakeholders. This role involves working closely with senior leadership and external contacts, so being able to convey your experience in this area is crucial.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications, particularly your ACA/ACCA/CIMA certification. Emphasise your experience in leading finance teams and your tech-savvy skills, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are interested in this interim position and how your background aligns with the company's needs. Mention your experience with process improvements and technology implementation.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage month-end processes, prepare management accounts, and liaise with external stakeholders effectively.
Highlight Soft Skills: Since excellent communication and leadership skills are essential for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and built positive relationships with colleagues and clients in your previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vitae Financial Recruitment Limited
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a Financial Controller, being tech-savvy is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific technologies and systems you've implemented in previous roles. Highlight any automation processes you've driven and how they improved efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since you'll be leading a small finance team, share examples of how you've successfully mentored and developed team members in the past. Discuss your leadership style and how you motivate others to achieve their best.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Prepare scenarios where you've had to improve processes or manage cash flow effectively, and explain the outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex financial concepts. Be ready to explain how you would liaise with both internal teams and external stakeholders.