OEC - Finance Controller - CA

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Financial Controller

Department: Finance & Accounts

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer / Chief Operations Officer

Responsible for: Finance & Accounts Team (including Payroll Operations)

JOB PURPOSE

The Finance Department has a primary responsibility to protect the assets of the organization through maintenance and development of a systematic process for financial control and review. The Department aims to delight its customers by providing reliable, timely and meaningful financial and management information that enables the Board and Senior Management Team to make effective decisions regarding the strategic direction of the organization.

The Head of Finance will have operational responsibility for the Finance & Accounts Department, and line management responsibility for the finance team of 6-10 people.

Team will provide lead in the production and development of management/financial accounting and reporting and will provide guidance and advice on all operational finance matters to colleagues across the organisation.

This role is responsible for the creation and implementation of all financial policies, processes and procedures as required by the organisation. This includes procurement and the wider group ownership, review and development of the organization's procurement policy and the adherence to it.

There is a requirement for the post holder to have the skills and knowledge to develop existing (and implement new) financial systems for the benefit of the business.

As part of this role the post holder will be responsible for delivery of the year end and internal audits to strict timescales and deadlines.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Financial/Management Accounting

Prepare the management accounts, with the assistance of the Finance Team, and seek to implement a best practice approach for financial accounting controls.

2. Processes

Design and implement the necessary controls to protect the organisation's assets and prevent any potential areas of fraud. This work will be determined by any changes required and outlined by the Finance Director and/or the Board and should meet the needs of internal audit recommendations.

3. Systems

Meet and exceed internal customer requirements by being the business champion for any new financial systems introduced into the business as well as driving the development of existing ones.

4. Team Management/Leadership

Recruit, develop and motivate the Finance & Accounts Team to achieve its objectives and departmental purpose.

5. Financial Policies & Procedures

Ensure that appropriate financial policies are implemented, documented and become part of the core work of the finance department.

6. Communication

To raise the profile of the Finance Department through the provision of a service that meets the needs of all stakeholders. Be able to influence colleagues when introducing new ideas, processes and systems that support the aims and objectives of the organization.

As a Head of Department the post holder should seek to communicate effectively throughout the organisation and actively participate in relevant forums and cross - departmental working groups as deemed appropriate.

PRINCIPAL TASKS:

1. Financial/Management Accounting:

- Prepare the management accounts for organization for review by the management in line with the monthly accounting timetable.

- Deliver all reports to the relevant deadlines.

- Devolve operational reporting and ownership of budgets to managers through the provision of the appropriate reporting tools which will enable budget managers to plan and review the financial performance of their departments.

2. Billing and Collections:

- Ensure that customer invoices are raised on time

- Ensure that the underlying activity has been reconciled and billed out

- Ensure that customer queries are addressed on time

- Ensure that customer credit is kept within approved zone and highlight exceptions timely to COO

3. Cash Flow :

- Ensure that a monthly and rolling quarterly cashflow is prepared and discussed with COO

- Ensure that the movements to cashflow are reconciled with ledger

- Ensure that suppliers and employees are paid on time

- Ensure that there are no idle cash balances and that the balance between borrowed funds and own funds are maintained

4. Statutory Compliance:

- Ensure that there is ZERO tolerance to NON COMPLIANCE

- Ensure that there is sufficient awareness on compliance issues with stakeholders

5. Budgeting/Forecasting:

- Preparation of the detailed annual budget and forecasts.

- Develop appropriate systems, in working with the Systems Analyst, to further automate the budget and forecasting processes.

- Prepare the operational budget timetable and work with customers to enable the business to meet agreed deadlines.

6. Statutory Accounting/Reporting:

- Prepare and deliver the operational audit plan and provide to the CEO for inclusion in the overall audit timetable.

- Manage new and existing regulatory requirements where appropriate and incorporate them into the financial and management accounts.

- Complete and deliver operational information/payments government and regulatory bodies as required. This includes VAT & Service Tax returns.

7. Payroll:

- Be responsible for all of the outputs of the payroll function with a view to putting in place the necessary controls and checks that ensures all employees are paid accurately and on time.

- Ensure that the payroll team reconcile the payroll and finance systems and investigate and report any differences.

- Work with the Head of HR to ensure that the establishment plan and the starters/leavers processes are taut and stand up to scrutiny from internal/external audit.

8. Systems (working with the existing team):

- Ensure the robustness of all finance systems taking into account any required enhancements and upgrades required.

- Development of the existing finance system to empower managers to exercise financial control over their areas of the business.

- Review the financial management needs of the organisation and propose new systems and processes to support these needs where appropriate.

9. Leadership/Management:

- Recruitment, management and development of all members of the Finance Team, ensuring their welfare, job satisfaction, competence and motivation.

- Carry out annual appraisals and ensure development plans are in place for the team.

- Lead on any changes required to processes and procedures and be able to drive and motivate the team in meeting set goals and objectives.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION:

- Candidate must be a Chartered Accountant

- Must have experience of 6-8 years working in similar role

- Experience of leading a team of 3 to 4 staff for at least 2 years