Financial Controller

Zinc Resourcing ,
London, Greater London
Job Type: Full-time

Overview

My clients own and run a successful and growing entrepreneurial and forward-thinking business with a UK Head Office in West London. This award-winning company is a prestigious leading grower, importer and distributor of globally sourced and ethically farmed premium fresh produce. An impressive customer base includes major UK retailers, food service and wholesale clients. This growing organisation generates annual revenues of circa £170m with over 1000 employees across its state-of-the art UK facilities. The organisation has an enviable reputation for developing integrated partnerships and taming complex supply chains both at home and across the world to deliver quality produce, sustainably farmed to its customers 52 weeks a year. With continuous re-investment in farming, production facilities and people, the focus is on delivering profitable and commercially sustainable solutions while enriching local communities and the environment. THE ROLE Supervise and provide all input into the preparation of monthly and period management accounts and ensure that the information is clearly presented in terms that can be understood by non-financial managers and compare the results to budget. Analyse and interpret the accounts and propose required courses of action Refine and monitor cost controls and report to management on potential savings. Continuously up-date and improve department working methods and information produced. Develop effective relationships across the business in order to provide management with timely, accurate and appropriate financial and management information and analysis. This role is concerned with the day to day, practical accounting matters and the running of an effective, finance and accounting function, including managing a head office team. You will be responsible for continuous improvement and driving efficiencies to ensure the ongoing profitability of the business. Ensure that the company's cash flows are re-forecast regularly and that the actual flows are compared to forecast on a period basis and to take action when variances occur. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES i To become progressively aware of all functions of the business and to manage the accounting team in order to provide support to management on all matters relating to the management accounting activities of the company. ii In particular, to manage the financial control of the company, (including regular sales reconciliation), by providing all input into and production of, monthly and quarterly management accounts and control statistics, in a timely and accurate manner. iii To ensure effective control of cash flow and general cash management. To ensure accurate input into and maintenance of all accounting and related systems and to ensure that effective internal financial controls are in place. iv To manage, lead and motivate the accounts department, ensuring the efficient performance of accounting routines and controls. To ensure that the finance and accounting function is fully integrated into and supports, the operations of the business. v To supervise the preparation of monthly management accounts and to ensure that the information is clearly presented in terms that can be understood by non-financial managers and to compare the result to budget. To analyse and interpret the accounts and propose required courses of action vi To ensure compliance with all accounting regulation and to liaise with the auditors both during finalisation of the accounts and as and when necessary during the financial year. vii To provide input, where requested, into preparation of budgets and financial and cash flow forecasts and to keep managers informed of the impact of any change. viii To take responsibility for administering and running payroll, pensions and insurances. To ensure that the car scheme and private health scheme are run effectively. ix To manage accounting staff to ensure the effective operation of the function, whilst supporting the company's plans for the future. x To complete a review of all accounting controls and procedures and to update on an ongoing basis. xi To ensure that the financial reporting package is timely and accurate, submitted to the Board on time and that it is presented in an easily digestible form with analysis. xii To review accounting policy and practice and to ensure that the highest professional standards are maintained at all times and in all areas of the accounting function. xiii To undertake ad hoc projects from time to time as and when necessary. Your ability to communicate across the business is as important as your technical ability and experience. You will undertake ad hoc projects from time to time, as and when necessary. Candidate Specification Qualifications: Candidates must be qualified accountants, ACA, ACCA or CIMA. Experience: Candidates should have proven experience of the following: Evidence of effective commercial accounting input, in particular covering such areas as management accounting, cost control, and pricing, probably in a costing environment. Strong Excel skills. Experience in a SAP or similar environment The development and application of sound internal systems and controls. Accounting procedures from records of prime entry to the preparation of period and statutory accounts. Working to set timetables, including the application of budgetary controls and cash flow forecasting/ monitoring procedures. Development and implementation of in-house, integrated computerised accounting systems. Supervision, development, direction and management of accounting staff.