Finance Manager

Anthony Cole Associates are proud to be once again partnering with leading global Sports & Fitness company, based in London. They are currently seeking an exceptional commercially Finance Manager/Controller to join their business that can help to continue their success story to start by the end of March.

The Finance Department provides the business with accurate and timely financial information to be able to measure if they are hitting their financial goals; supports the business with financial advice; manages all financial transactions and processes with customers; ensures staff, contractors and suppliers get paid; manages the insurance program; and ensures the business keeps running by managing debtors and cash flow.

Primarily the Finance Manager/Controller will be responsible for various day to day operations, the incumbent will be responsible for undertaking a broad range of financial and management accounting functions, timely and accurate accounting and processing support. The position requires someone with the right attitude, who is flexible, and will go that extra mile to make sure the Finance Department meets UK and Group deadlines. The Finance Manager/Controller is expected to contribute useful and necessary information to assist the business in making key strategic decisions.

The key accountabilities of the role will be:-

Business Partnering

• Lead Monthly financial meetings with key department stakeholders highlighting risk and opportunities. Provide challenge on performance where required
• Work closely with Head of Departments to streamline and automate the reporting process
• Development and production of  the weekly sales and margin forecast reporting including liaising with Head of Department
• Provide support on short and long term forecasts and yield modelling to support to Head of Departments
• Provide support for our overseas territories in Russia, India, South Africa Middle East etc 

Reporting

• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts for review by Finance Director. Including but not exclusive to:
• Balance Sheet reconciliations
• Analytical review of group P&L and Balance Sheet at month end
• Preparation of monthly management reports e.g. sales reports, variances reports
• Management of the month end process
• Comply with global group accounting policies and timetable
• Responsible for the preparation of the monthly department reports 
• Point of contact for Group Finance
• Cash flow and working capital management reporting to group
• Preparation of budgets and forecasts

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for continual business improvement.
• Provide guidance/coaching to direct reports

General Accounting

• Manage the Accounts Payable & payroll function
• Maintain the Fixed Asset Register including depreciation calculation
• Manage VAT Return.
• Point of contact for External Auditors
• Preparation of annual statutory Accounts & Corporation Tax pack and liaising with external tax advisors    
• Monthly statistical reporting for group Ad hoc tasks

To be considered for this challenging and true business focused/aligned opportunity you will be a qualified accountant with some post qualification experience, and have good experience in managing a small team. The key for this role is someone who fits into the culture of the business; they are a tight knit team with a relaxed and friendly environment – a non-corporate culture that is fluid and entrepreneurial. You will have experience in an SME business with a similar relaxed business, so ideally another Leisure, Sports/Fitness or Media of similar background would be ideal. The ideal candidate will have an interest in Fitness and Sports, although this isn’t essential. What is important is a broad based Finance background, and a strong commercially focused and analytical skillset and someone who is looking for a role where you can add real value to a business.