Job Description
The role of Deputy Financial Controller on a contract basis in Reading (with 2-3 days per week onsite) entails a wide range of responsibilities across financial accounting, reporting and tax compliance. Below is a breakdown of the key requirements and responsibilities based on the provided description:
Key Responsibilities:
* Month-end close processes: Ensure timely and accurate month-end closing.
* Balance Sheet management: Ensure the balance sheet is accurate, fully reconciled, and that all balance sheet reconciliations have proper approval and format.
* Review of Trial Balance (TB): Oversee the trial balance at the end of each month.
* Shareholder reporting: Preparation and reporting to shareholders, including intercompany reconciliations.
* Leadership & Improvement Projects: Spearhead finance improvement initiatives.
* Risk & Opportunity Management: Maintain and review balance sheet risk and opportunity schedules.
* Commentary and Analysis: Provide detailed monthly commentary on balance sheet movements.
* Internal and Shareholder Reviews: Lead review meetings on monthly financial results.
* Statutory accounts: Prepare and file statutory accounts.
* Audit Coordination: Manage the audit process for both internal audits and up to 3 shareholder audits annually.
* Accounting Policies & Procedures: Review and maintain accounting policy documents, ensuring compliance with IFRS 16.
* Documentation: Ensure thorough documentation of controls, and support ISO accreditation processes.
* Tax Returns: Work on corporation tax returns in collaboration with external advisors.
* Tax Compliance: Ensure compliance with VAT, corporation tax, and employee-related taxes.
* Balance Sheet Forecasting & Budgeting: Manage these processes and work with Systems Accountant to optimize financial systems for accounting processes.
* Team Management: Oversee the work of a Finance Analyst.
* Ad-hoc Projects: Lead or participate in additional projects as needed.
Person Specification (Expertise):
* Professional Qualification: Must be a qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
* Technical Experience:
* Experience leading financial reporting processes, including preparing trial balances and reporting results for management review.
* Statutory accounts preparation and familiarity with IFRS .
* Ability to provide technical accounting papers and guidance.
* Experience with corporation tax return preparation.
* Managerial Experience:
* Audit management experience (Big 4 experience is an advantage).
* Experience in managing financial controls and group consolidations.
* Familiarity with finance systems such as Agresso is desired.
Other Skills:
* Leadership: Experience leading teams, driving improvements, and ensuring the finance department operates smoothly.
* Communication: The ability to provide insightful financial commentary and liaise effectively with internal stakeholders and shareholders.