Head of Finance

In a world of change, my client offers a genuine opportunity for a qualified accountant to flourish in this commercial and supportive environment. The Head of Finance is the most senior finance role and a key part of the top team in this business which is based in Stanmore, Middlesex. My client is looking for a technically strong and business orientated accountant to lead and sustain delivery of the group’s finance and reporting function in order to achieve strategic organisational priorities. The Head of Finance will enjoy working across all levels of this £15m t/o  business and we are looking to appoint an individual for the medium or ideally longer term. The responsibilities are as follows:-

Finance and Accounts Management

Recruit, manage and appraise the finance and reporting team so as to deliver the required objectives

Establish and deliver best practice in all aspects of the finance function

Establish, document and maintain appropriate accounting systems, practices and control structures

Prepare monthly management accounts and month end reporting

Oversee month end procedure and closure routines

Ensure compliance with relevant HMRC and FCA obligations or similar requirements

Liaise with auditors regarding preparation of statutory accounts and lead on all aspects of the audit to achieve compliance and the efficient and timely filing of the statutory accounts

Financial Analysis

Analyse and report on financial matters and key business performance data

Interpret the group’s financial results to the directors and recommend improvement activities or assist in appraisal of other potential projects or system changes

Lead on product pricing strategy and processes

Engage in ongoing cost reduction analysis in all areas including supplier management

Review the performance of competitors and report on key issues to the directors

Engage in benchmarking studies to identify areas of potential improvement across the group

Compile key business metrics and report on them to the directors

Monitor service cycle time and recommend changes to improve the speed and level of throughput

Manage the capital requirements and make appropriate recommendations to the directors

Create additional analysis and reports as requested

Budgeting

Manage the preparation of the group budgets for Board approval

Report to the directors on variances from the established budget, and the reasons for those variances

Assist the directors in the formulation of overall strategic direction

Cash Management

Forecast cash flow positions and manage related borrowing needs

Ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet ongoing operational and capital requirements

Assist the directors to maintain key banking relationships

Assist in determining the company's proper capital structure

Recommend appropriate dividends to be issued, based on historical dividend patterns and expected cash flows

Ensure compliance with bank reconciliation and review procedures to achieve appropriate sign off

Additional Accountabilities:

Undertake new customer due diligence and oversee the extension of credit to customers

Manage credit control and enforcement

Ensure compliance with terms of business

Liaise as required with outsourced payroll provider and carry out payroll reconciliations

Be the key interface on financial issues with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders; leading with the bank on all transactional matters

Provide guidance and mentoring to the team in their interactions with third parties

Implement and uphold the group’s policies and procedures, undertaking internal audit where required

Offer insights and analysis to deliver continuous improvement in all matters falling within their area of responsibility

Reporting to – the Directors

Key interfaces – Other members of the management team, auditors, the bank, key customers and suppliers

Direct reports – Finance and reporting team members

Knowledge skills and competencies – qualified accountant, experienced people and systems manager, ability to build strong trusting relationships with external stakeholders, ability to maintain the utmost trust of the Directors, handle complex data but present and explain it simply and clearly