Financial Controller

World leading architectural practice with a portfolio of national and international award-winning projects to its name has approximately 100 projects on-going at any one time supported by Associate Directors and Associates. The company has a staff of 200 based at their head office in the city of London. A Financial controller is required to help lead the practice through the next stage of development.

Reporting to and working closely with the senior management team responsibilities include: • Management of all financial operations of the Group, including UK trading and holding companies and subsidiaries in Shanghai and Hong Kong • Financial input into the board's strategic decision making, especially the quarterly Group budget cycle • Weekly and monthly reporting packs to the board on historic and forecast cash balances, revenue, expenditure, job profitability, as well as ad-hoc reporting where necessary • Manage treasury balancing cash balances, cash investments and liaise with foreign exchange brokers to minimise risk whilst maximising profit. • Manage the banking relationships particularly in regards to covenants • Preparation of the Group UK accounts, perform consolidations and run Group international audit, liaising with auditors and accountants as required • UK VAT, payroll and corporation tax computations and tax fillings. International taxes, coordinating with tax advisers abroad where necessary; • Ownership of tax planning and coordination of international tax liabilities to minimise the company’s exposure • Manage invoicing, cash collections and payments, month-end processes, payroll and staff expenses. • Maintain the practice's financial software, including training, implementing and monitoring controls, testing and updates • Manage treasury function, balancing cash balances and cash investments and liaise with foreign exchange brokers to minimise risk whilst maximising profit. • Manage and develop two Account assistants in Head office plus bookkeepers in the foreign locations • Develop financial processes and procedures

The successful candidate profile is likely to be as follows: • A graduate with strong academic results - qualified accountant likely to be ACA or ACCA (or international equivalent) • Experience gained in other Architectural practices is advantageous but certainly not essential as other creative /professional service industries will be seriously considered for the right person • A solid technical accounting background with a strong attention to detail, particularly in all aspects of financial and management accounting, budgeting, forecasting including excellent reporting combined with an analytical approach to problem solving. Some treasury experience is required including cash management and some knowledge of currency exchange and hedging arrangements • The personality fit is a key requirement particularly within the small but expanding Head Office finance team. Strong interpersonal skills, diplomatic, assertive, friendly, committed with a robust personality able to challenge in the right way with the ability to think on their feet • A team player with ability to build relationships and influence cross functionally including the senior management team whilst gaining the trust and respect of the Senior Associates and associates working on the projects • Ability to cope with change with a flexible and adaptable approach • Display leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to lead projects • Hard working - will do what it takes to get the job done to tight deadlines • Strong IT skills including decent knowledge of accounting systems and advanced Excel skills. Some implementation experience would be advantageous • Hands-on approach, happy to roll sleeves up and get stuck in on any task • Proactive approach and an ability to make continuous improvements to what they do