Finance Business Partner.

Our client is seeking a commercially minded and hands-on finance professional to establish and manage a centralised accounting and financial-control function. 

The successful candidate will initially assume responsibility for the complete bookkeeping and accounting function. Once the relevant systems, processes and controls are operating effectively, the role will progressively expand to cover the other entities within the group.

This is a practical, operational role requiring someone who is comfortable managing day-to-day accounting activities from the ground up, while also providing management-level financial oversight and advice. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Bookkeeping and financial accounting 

•               Take responsibility for the complete bookkeeping and accounting function of the Group.

•               Record and review all accounting entries, including sales, purchases, receipts, payments, journals and accruals.

•               Maintain accurate general ledgers, cashbooks, accounts receivable and accounts payable records.

Financial documentation and transaction processing

•               Establish and maintain an organised document-management system for invoices, purchase orders, receipts, contracts and other financial supporting documents.

•               Prepare and issue purchase orders, customer invoices, credit notes and other relevant documentation. 

Management and annual reporting

•               Prepare timely monthly and periodic management accounts.

•               Produce profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets, cash-flow reports and other management information.

•               Investigate material variances and provide clear explanations and recommendations to management.

Cash-flow and working-capital management

•               Prepare and regularly update cash-flow forecasts.

•               Develop creditor-payment plans that optimise the group’s use of available cash while ensuring agreed payment terms are respected.

Inventory and trading controls

•               Maintain oversight of inventory accounting, reconciliations, costing and valuation.

•               Work with operational teams to ensure that inventory movements are properly documented and recorded.

•               Investigate and resolve discrepancies between physical inventory, operational records and accounting records. 

Internal controls and process improvement

•               Review existing accounting and operational processes and identify control weaknesses.

•               Design, implement and document appropriate financial policies, approval procedures and internal controls.

•               Establish clear reporting formats and reporting timetables in consultation with management.

Commercial and management support

•               Provide reliable financial information to support operational and strategic decision-making.

•               Advise management on financial risks, cash-flow priorities and business performance.

•               Work closely with directors, management and operational personnel across the group.

Qualifications and Experience

•               Fully qualified or part-qualified accountant, preferably pursuing or holding ACCA, ACA, CIMA or another recognised accounting qualification.

•               Relevant experience in bookkeeping, financial accounting, management accounting or financial control.

•               Experience at senior accountant, assistant financial controller, financial controller or comparable mid-management level would be advantageous.

•               Demonstrated ability to prepare management accounts and annual financial information.

•               Practical experience managing accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash flow and working capital.

•               Experience with inventory accounting or a trading, distribution, aviation or similarly operational business would be advantageous.

•               Experience establishing or improving accounting processes and internal controls.

•               Experience supporting multiple entities or a group structure would be beneficial.

•               Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel.

•               Sound understanding of accounting principles, reconciliations and financial-reporting requirements.