Financial Controller - Leading PR Agency

Our client is a leading PR agency based in central London.  As part of their continued growth they are seeking to recruit a Financial Controller on a 12 month maternity cover contract. The Financial Controller will be responsible to develop, implement and maintain a client-focused, performance-driven, timely, cost-effective finance function that supports the achievement of revenue and profitability targets, recognising, demonstrating and promoting the companies core values.

Duties

• To build and maintain an excellent understanding of, and insight into, the commercial needs of the business and its key drivers.
• To keep abreast of current and future developments in accounting procedures, financial trends and technical pronouncements, including best practice in service sector markets.
• To contribute to the establishment and implementation of the business plan and the Finance and Operations plan that aligns with the goals and values of the business and achieves agreed financial targets.
• To work with the MD to set and gain approval for the business annual budget and support others in managing its achievement.
• To lead and deliver financial support and services to the business including;
• Ensuring the maintenance of up-to-date, accurate company accounting records.
• Reviewing all balance sheet accounts and control account reconciliations to ensure accuracy.
• Proactively supporting the business practice account teams on purchasing, budget estimates, financial planning for new and existing business.
• Managing the Campaigns team monthly management information requirements for all public sector finance
• Building commercial acumen and financial awareness within the account teams.
• Supporting the development and implementation of new financial systems and processes, including briefing and training others to ensure proper use.
• Ongoing reviewing of current financial systems and processes, investigating improvements as appropriate.
• Managing the payroll function and liaising with HR on payroll amends.
• Managing the preparation of the year-end statutory accounts, and year-end payroll tasks.
• Controlling the support service budget, including managing supplier negotiations and building relationships.
• Managing the attraction, motivation, retention and development of Finance and Office Management support staff.
• Agreeing key objectives and responsibilities with reports.
• To manage systems and processes for measuring and monitoring financial performance, providing management with the tools for improving margin and profitability including:
• Establishing and maintaining control and management reporting systems and standards, including production of monthly management accounts, rolling client income forecasts, and credit control reports.
• Reviewing financial performance with senior account staff and recommending actions.
• Establishing and maintaining a reporting timetable, ensuring that departmental deadlines are met.
• To work with colleagues from other areas of the business, to build proactive, effective cross-functional communication and collaborative ways of working.

Education

• Degree level.
• ACCA/ACA/CIMA part qualified /Qualified

Experience

• Good experience in financial and management accountancy or allied fields.
• Understanding of the communications or service sector business.
• Understanding of creative services frameworks desired, but not essential
• Experience of using paprika

Skills and knowledge

• Good strategic thinking.
• Proven commercial acumen.
• Good team management and people development skills.
• Good organisational skills.