Financial Controller

The Business & Opportunity:

Opportunity to work at the heart of a branded consumer goods company. The business has well established brands sold through multiple sales channels both across the North of England and Nationally. This crucial role reports into the Chief Financial Officer, where you will take responsibility for all areas of accounting and reporting for the Group. You will be a key member of the business, interfacing with the production, sales and marketing functions as well as the CEO and members of the Board. You will also manage and develop a small finance team consisting of a Management Accountant, Accounts Assistants and Ledger clerks.

The Business is undergoing substantial change, hence it’s a good time to join, as you will be an instrumental figure during this period of growth.

You will be based at the Groups Head Office, located North of Ripon, with the option of flexitime and working from home one day per week.

Specific Requirement:

Reporting to the CFO, you will take responsibility for a wide range of duties, including:

• Preparation of monthly and year to date performance reports to the Board and shareholders, including commentary and analysis in the Board pack and resolution of any follow up queries.
• Responsible for ensuring accuracy and consistency of the accounting systems and records across the business, together with the timely production of reports including weekly operational reports and formal monthly consolidated financial accounts and commentary. This will include the monitoring of overheads and expenditure.
• Assessment of capital spend proposals including returns and risks.
• Coaching & Development of Finance Team consisting of 5 people.
• Point of contact with the Banks including provision of monthly business performance information to lenders and monitoring of business performance against various Loan Covenants.
• Preparation of key schedules for the Budgeting process for the Sales, Marketing, Production and Operations functions. Preparation and maintenance of the standard product cost and margin systems for products in each sales channel.
• Oversight of stocks held at different sites including by third parties and monitoring stock rotation and usage.
• Preparation of formal year end accounts and liaison with external auditors in their review. Input of financial information to the CEO and Directors reports as part of the Annual Report and Accounts. Preparation and submission of statutory returns to Companies House.
• Interface with Non-Finance, including liaison with Production, Sales, and Marketing teams.
• Oversight of bank reconciliations and maintenance of cash flow forecasts to ensure funds are available to meet obligations.
• Completion of Quarterly VAT returns and ad-hoc liaison with HMRC on enquiries arising.
• Oversight of payrolls and assessment of performance bonus arrangements.
• Ad-hoc evaluation and analysis to support initiatives and investments in the business

Skills & Experience required:

• Technically strong Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/ACMA).
• Ideally operated within a business involved with the production, distribution and sale of product ranges, i.e. Manufacturing or FMCG related sectors.
• Able to command authority and credibility, who thrives in a cooperative environment, working with people at all levels across multiple functions and disciplines.
• Strong managerial skills to coach, inspire and develop team members to deliver high performance.
• Due to the change and growth of the business, you will be resilient and excel in a dynamic and demanding environment.
• Able to think outside the box and add real value throughout the exciting times ahead.

What’s on Offer:

• A starting salary in the region of £60,000-£70,000 dependent on experience.
• Flexitime and option of working from home one day per week.
• Membership of the Company’s defined benefits pension scheme.
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays).
• Discount on company products.
• Free parking at their Head Office, based north of Ripon, easily accessible from the A1, and commutable from as far as Boroughbridge, Harrogate, Wetherby, North Leeds, Thirsk, Northallerton, Richmond, Bedale and surrounding areas.

Next Steps:

Interviews are to be conducted imminently, hence you are advised to apply at your earliest convenience. N.B. Lyons Recruitment have been retained on an exclusive basis, hence any direct or other agency applications with be disregarded.