Financial Controller

Reporting to: Finance Director
Start Date: Immediate
Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm
Probation Period: 6 months
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Job Location: Office Based

SCOPE 

The Financial Controller is a senior-level responsible for overseeing financial operations, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, compliance with financial regulations, and the overall financial health of the company. The Financial Controller acts as a bridge between the finance department and executive management, providing insights and guidance on financial matters to support strategic decision-making.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Reporting 

To ensure the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements. This includes managing the month-end and year-end closing processes, consolidating financial data, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations. The Financial Controller will also prepare reports for internal stakeholders and external entities, such as auditors and regulatory bodies. 

Budgeting and Forecasting 

The Financial Controller plays a pivotal role in the budgeting and forecasting processes, working closely with department heads and the commercial team to develop budgets that align with the organisation’s strategic goals. The Financial Controller will also monitor performance, analyses variances, and provides forecasts to anticipate future financial trends and challenges. 

Internal Controls and Compliance 

Ensuring robust internal controls, design and implement control systems to safeguard the organisation’s assets, prevent fraud, and ensure compliance with financial regulations such as GAAP or IFRS, undertake regular review of the process with the FD and provide guidance to the board on proposed changes.  

Cash Flow Management 

Monitor cash flow, manage working capital requirements, and ensure that the company has sufficient liquidity to meet its obligations. Develop, alongside the commercial team, strategies to optimise cash flow and reduce financial risks. 

ESSENTIAL SKILLS 

Analytical Skills 

Interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights, identify trends, assess financial performance, and make recommendations to improve efficiency and profitability. Prepare accurate and timely financial reports including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. They analyse financial data to identify trends, variances, and areas for improvement, providing insights that support strategic decision-making. 

Leadership and Communication 

Act as the deputy to the FD, providing direct advice and guidance to the Partners and the Board as required by the FD or other leadership, and as required external parties such as funders, investors, and external auditors. Communicate financial performance, risks, and opportunities clearly and effectively, ensuring that stakeholders are informed and engaged.  

To mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth, ensuring that the team is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively. 

Technical Proficiency 

A deep understanding of accounting principles, financial software, and regulatory requirements is proficient in using financial management systems and tools to streamline processes and enhance reporting accuracy. 

Strategic Thinking 

Aligning financial management with the organisation’s long-term objectives, evaluating financial risks and opportunities, supporting strategic initiatives, and contributing to the development of business strategies. 

Budgeting and Forecasting 

Ability to create detailed budgets and forecasts that can be cascaded through teams, working closely with commercial and operational teams to ensure that budgets meet the overall objectives of the business. Regularly review forecasts taking account of market and operational risks and advise senior management accordingly.

QUALIFICATIONS  

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance, accounting.
• As a minimum we require one of the following accreditations (Fully Qualified or Part Qualified)
• Chartered Accountant (CA): Recognised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
• Chartered Management Accountant (CMA): Offered by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

 TECHNICAL SKILLS 

Key technical skills include:

• Financial Reporting: Proficiency in preparing and analysing financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. Ability to explain and illustrate complex information in a manner that is clearly understood.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Ability to develop, manage, and analyse budgets and financial forecasts to guide strategic decision making.
• Accounting Software: Expertise in using accounting software preferably construction focused such as 4PS/Business Central or Coins or as a minimum platform such as SAP, Oracle, MS Dynamics, or Sage for financial management and reporting.
• Data Analysis: Strong analytical skills to interpret financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights.
• Project Accounting: Proficiency in Job Costing ability to prepare reliable cost to complete data and align with income.

 Regulatory Knowledge

• A comprehensive understanding of financial regulations and compliance This includes but is not limited to:
• UK GAAP and IFRS: Knowledge of UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is essential for accurate financial reporting.
• Tax Regulations: Familiarity with UK tax laws and regulations to ensure compliance and optimize tax strategies.
• Audit Processes: Understanding of internal and external audit processes to ensure financial accuracy and integrity.

 Soft Skills

• Leadership and Management: Ability to lead and manage finance teams, providing guidance and support to achieve organizational goals.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying financial issues and developing effective solutions to address them.
• Diligence: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in financial reporting and compliance.

EXPERIENCE

Industry Experience: A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a contractor or engineering consultant, and full understanding of operational requirement in the construction industry including the specific risks which are present in the transaction cycle .

People Responsibility: A track record of managing and developing high performing teams fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. 

See full job description for more information.