Chief Finance Officer (CFO)

As CFO you will be required to play a lead role in the organisation's success, and a large part of the remit will be to manage the grant-funded operational plan, ensuring that it stays compliant with the regulatory framework.

As you would expect in an SME, the role will also carry a broad remit as expected within a SME, helping to lead, develop and manage the business as it continues to evolve.

Client Details

My exclusive client is a grower-owned cooperative which specialises in the supply of UK grown fruit to supermarkets, catering and wholesale outlets.

Collaboration as a cooperative makes it easier to supply produce in the quantities needed by the large purchasers, ensure continuity of supply, and also allows the members to benefit from the economies of scale that would not otherwise be open to them.

The Board of Directors is elected by the members from a panel of representatives nominated by each member, and at the heart of the business is a philosophy centred on fairness and open policies.

The company are based in offices in East Kent, near Canterbury / Faversham, and operate a hybrid working policy.

Description

A major focus of the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) role is to oversee and administer the co-operatives grant-funded operational plan, and ensure that they remain compliant with the regulatory framework. This will include:

· Development and delivery of the operational plan

· Preparation of annual budget

· Obtaining/scrutinising supplier quotations to confirm value-for-money.

· Expenditure control and monitoring of budget variances.

· Preparation of grant funding applications and grant payment claims.

· Dealing with the queries and audit inspections.

The role will also carry a broad remit as expected within a SME, helping to lead, develop and manage the business as it continues to evolve. You will therefore also be responsible for:

· All finance and administration

· Providing members with ready access to financial information

· Developing processes and reporting systems to meet best practice

· Attending and report to Board meetings and the AGM.

· Company Secretary duties.

· Provide guidance/supervision to the Financial Controller with their role which includes

• Preparation of the PO's financial reports
• Management of the PO's cash flow
• Payroll
• VAT

Profile

The ideal candidate for this Chief Finance Officer (CFO) role will be:

• Highly numerate with a finance background.
• An excellent communicator and diplomat with the ability to gain respect from stakeholders.
• Well-organised and a good administrator.
• "Hands on" with the ability to work with all levels of staff within a friendly team environment.
• Experience of having worked within a regulatory compliance position would be an advantage.
• Experience of working within a fresh produce environment or have an understanding of farming may be an advantage but is not essential.

Job Offer

This role enjoys a competitive base salary of £70-80,000 + Pension + 25 days annual leave

You will also benefit from working in a friendly, hybrid working environment.