Company Overview:
West Design Products is a renowned, family-owned company specialising in the manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, and innovation of high-quality art, craft, stationery, toy, and education products. We are dedicated to serving our valued trade customers, and our exceptional team of field and office-based Account Managers ensures top-notch support to our clients.
With operations spanning across three locations - our headquarters and distribution centre in Kent, a creative design hub in Dorset, and a UK manufacturing site in Devon - we take pride in our ability to serve markets not only within the UK but also across Europe and around the globe.
Job Summary:
As the Group Financial Controller at West Design Products, you will play a pivotal role in managing the financial operations of the group. Your responsibilities will encompass overseeing the finance team consisting of 3 transactional professionals, a data analyst, and the HR manager. This role requires a strategic mindset, financial expertise, and leadership skills to ensure accurate financial reporting and effective end-to-end financial management within strict reporting deadlines.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Oversight:
* Develop and uphold financial policies, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with UK regulations and accounting standards.
* Lead the preparation of timely and accurate financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
* Monitor the company's financial performance, identifying opportunities for cost optimisation and revenue growth.
* Oversee accounts payable processes, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
* Oversee and authorise the monthly payroll calculation.
Team Leadership:
* Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to a team of 3 finance professionals, 1 data analyst, and 1 HR professional.
* Set clear objectives and performance expectations for your team, fostering their growth and development.
* Foster collaboration between the Finance team to achieve organisational goals, business continuity, and best practice.
Compliance and Reporting:
* Ensure full compliance with UK and IFRS accounting standards and all relevant financial regulations.
* Manage tax and VAT obligations, collaborating with external auditors and tax advisors as required.
* Stay current with changes in financial regulations, communicating their impact to senior management.
* Ensure compliance with waste management.
Financial Analysis and Strategy:
* Conduct in-depth financial analysis to identify opportunities for process improvements, cost management, and revenue enhancement.
* Support the management team in crafting financial strategies and long-term financial plans.
* Produce relevant management and commercial reporting along with suitable commentary to provide valuable financial insights to inform executive decision-making.
* Produce an annual budget and regular forecasting.
* Work with our production site to develop and implement a full costing and estimating system.
Cash Management:
* Oversee cash flow and liquidity management, optimising working capital efficiency.
* Manage the businesses foreign exchange activities and provide market updates/trends to inform strategic decision-making and risk management.
* Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimise the company's financial performance.
IT Oversight:
* Provide management and oversight of the businesses IT function to ensure systems and processes remain efficient and fit for purpose.
* Continuously review and maintain IT effectiveness and ensure business continuity.
Stakeholder Communication:
* Communicate financial results and insights to senior management and directors.
* Act as the primary financial liaison with internal and external stakeholders, including department heads, auditors, regulators, and financial institutions.
* Be an effective business partner and source of information and best practice across the West Design businesses.
Qualifications & Skills:
* A qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with a robust financial background.
* Proven experience in a senior financial leadership role.
* Expert knowledge of UK GAAP or IFRS accounting standards.
* Strong leadership and team management skills.
* Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
* Excellent communication and presentation skills.
* A commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics.
This position offers an exciting opportunity for a dedicated professional looking to make a significant impact within our organisation while advancing their career in finance.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Life insurance
* On-site parking
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Folkestone: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
* Accounting: 3 years (required)
* Leadership: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Chartered Accountant qualification (preferred)
Work Location: In person
#J-18808-Ljbffr