Job Title: Financial Controller Location: Ilford, Greater London - IG2 7BS Reports to: Director Department: Finance Type: Full-Time Salary: Competitive based on knowledge, skills & experience Company: Veritas Consultancy (UK) Limited
Job Overview:
We are looking for an experienced Financial Controller to manage the financial operations of the company. The role will include overseeing payroll, ensuring compliance with HMRC, managing VAT returns, processing payments, preparing year-end accounts, and handling tax obligations. You will work closely with the executive team to improve financial processes, maintain financial records, and provide strategic insights into budgeting, cash flow management, streamlining financial operations, and forecasting. Additionally, you will collaborate with other departments to improve operational efficiency and support strategic decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:1. Payroll & Compliance:
Oversee the payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate payment of salaries, tax deductions, and pension contributions.
Ensure compliance with HMRC PAYE regulations, Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme, and other statutory requirements.
Maintain payroll records and collaborate with Human Resources to resolve any discrepancies or issues.
2. VAT & Tax Compliance:
Oversee the preparation and submission of VAT returns to ensure compliance with HMRC guidelines.
Provide tax planning strategies in line with current legislation to optimise tax efficiency.
Handle tax preparation duties and collaborate with external tax accountants to ensure timely filing and accuracy of tax returns.
3. Year-End Accounts & Audit:
Manage the preparation of the annual financial statements, ensuring they comply with UK GAAP or IFRS, as applicable.
Coordinate the audit process, providing external auditors with the necessary documentation and support.
Ensure timely submission of the Corporation Tax Return (CT600) and other regulatory filings to HMRC.
4. Financial Analysis & Reporting:
Reconcile accounts, including accounts receivable and accounts payable, ensuring accurate records are maintained.
Audit financial information for inconsistencies and ensure the integrity of the companyâs financial records.
Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports, providing executive management with key financial insights to guide decision-making and strategic planning.
Summarise budget trends, highlight deficiencies, and report variances to the executive team for corrective action.
5. Process Improvement & Internal Controls:
Collaborate with the executive team to improve financial processes, controls, and systems to ensure accurate and efficient operations.
Oversee the ongoing maintenance of accounts, ensuring that financial data is kept up to date and compliant with legal requirements.
Implement and monitor financial controls to mitigate risks and maintain the integrity of the companyâs financial information.
6. Cash Flow & Reserves Management:
Ensure effective management of the companyâs cash flow, making sure resources are utilised properly while protecting the companyâs financial reserves.
Provide financial forecasts to assist in strategic planning and decision-making, analysing potential risks and opportunities for the business.
7. Budgeting & Financial Planning:
Support management in the accurate production of budgets for various departments, ensuring alignment with company goals.
Analyse risk and provide financial guidance to the executive team, helping to minimise financial exposure and maximise financial performance.
8. Legal & Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure the company complies with all relevant tax, permit, and licensing requirements.
Oversee compliance with Companies House filing obligations, ensuring statutory accounts and other required filings are submitted on time.
9. Collaboration & Support:
Work closely with other departments to provide financial guidance and support on a variety of projects.
Act as the key point of contact for external auditors and HMRC, ensuring smooth communication and compliance with financial regulations.
10. Additional Duties:
Perform any ad-hoc duties as required by the line manager to support the companyâs business objectives.
Skills & Qualifications:
A Bachelorâs Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified (or equivalent) with 3 years of experience in a similar role.
Strong knowledge of payroll, VAT, tax compliance, and financial reporting.
Proven experience in identifying cost-saving opportunities within financial processes, particularly with VAT returns and tax planning.
Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage, Xero, QuickBooks) and Microsoft Excel.
In-depth understanding of UK tax laws, Companies Act, HMRC regulations, and UK GAAP.
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with the executive team, external auditors, and HMRC.
Required Financial Acumen:
Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial principles and how they apply to business strategy, enabling effective decision-making and identifying opportunities for financial growth or cost savings.
Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team environment, contributing to the overall success of the companyâs financial operations.
Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present financial information to senior management, auditors, and external stakeholders.
Problem-Solving: Proactive and solution-oriented approach to addressing financial challenges, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and save costs across the organisation.
This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and scope of the Financial Controller. However, it does not encompass all tasks the post holder may be required to perform. The duties of the role may evolve over time without changing the fundamental nature or level of responsibility.The Financial Controller may be assigned additional tasks as required by the line manager. This role is subject to adherence with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) when managing personal data and financial records. The Financial Controller is also expected to comply with the companyâs health and safety policies and equal opportunities practices.