Position: Financial Controller
Team: Finance
Location: Manchester
Reports to: Finance Director
Who are we?
Verlingue are an established, prominent independent family-owned Insurance Broker & Employee Benefits Consultancy with the long-term vision of becoming the recognised leading business of this type in Europe. Operating from offices throughout France, Switzerland and the UK, Verlingue employ over 1,000 people, have income of around ₠100M and place nearly ₠2BN of premiums on behalf of clients.
In the UK we trade under the names Verlingue and Verlingue London Markets.
* We employ 200 people and have offices located in Manchester, Staines, Redhill, London and Gloucester.
* Verlingue are leading corporate Insurance Brokers providing Insurance, Risk Management and Employee Benefit services to businesses and Private Clients.
* Verlingue London Markets are a specialist Lloyds & London Market broker providing access to unique products and services with capabilities to place business internationally.
* We identify with high standards of knowledge, professionalism and ethical practices throughout the organisation. We are recognised as part of an exclusive group of fewer than 200 Chartered Insurance Brokers.
* Ranked in the top 10 independent commercial insurance broking businesses in the UK, placing £135M of premium.
* Clients range from FTSE 250 to SME, HNW / connected Private Clients and other Retail brokers.
Our success is based around our people delivering high quality service, excellent working relationships and meaningful results for our clients, including provision of a single stop advisory service. We offer the certainty of long-term relationships to clients, our insurer market and our people. This sets us apart from our competitors.
The Team
Verlingue have established Account teams based in Manchester, Staines, Redhill and Gloucester, which is currently made up of 11 finance personnel. This role will be based in our Manchester Office.
The Role
The financial controller (FC) is a vital and senior role in Verlingue's finance department. The FC will have responsibility for the accounting operations of the business and oversee accounting functions for the UK group.
Key Responsibilities
General responsibilities
* Ensure that all accounting records are appropriately kept and that reported results comply with accounting standards FRS102 and legislation.
* Managing a small accounting team of 3 or 4, to include review of work and training where required.
* Preparing monthly management accounts, supporting group consolidations and reporting schedules.
* Coordinating and assisting in the preparation of budgets and financial forecasts and other regular financial reports.
* Managing all day to day accounting operations - this includes Billing, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, General Ledger, Payroll and Banking.
* Preparation of VAT returns and Corporation Tax calculations.
* Leading the finance team in the delivery of the finance function.
* Ensuring a robust control environment and compliance with internal operating guidelines.
* Documenting business processes and internal controls.
* Streamlining and improving operations and accounting systems.
* Coordinating the management of cash flow.
* Ensuring all financial systems are fit for purpose and are properly maintained.
* Continuously improve the finance function incorporating best practice, ensuring efficient operations.
* Prepares financial statements and integrated reports for external stakeholders using Sage X3, Acturis, GPM and Halo.
* Prepares statutory accounts preparation, including intercompany balances and consolidation.
* Act as the main point of contact for all HMRC dealings, including filing all returns.
* Act as the contact point for external auditors.
* Review all auditor communications and responds to information requests promptly.
* Engages with the FD and senior management on any areas of concern.
* Monitors, evaluates and advises on accounting standards, regulations, conceptual and financial reporting frameworks.
Financial Management
* Monitors developments in insurance markets, business practices and the current economic climate and suggests the improvements needed in the financial and risk management of a business.
* Advises on current business asset valuations, capital projects and investments through the right analytical qualitative and quantitative techniques.
* Communicates and advises what impact financial decision making is having on budgets and business plans.
Government, Risk & Control
* As Verlingue Limited is an approved body with the FCA, adheres to the Code of Conduct (COCON) rules which set out basic standards of behaviour. Evaluates all internal structures and governance to protect the interests of all stakeholders.
* Recommends the right strategies to ensure the organisation adheres to governance structures and applies best practice internal controls.
* Highlights and manages risk appropriately.
* Makes use of risk management strategies with the best interests of the company and its stakeholders in mind.
* Monitors and applies legislation, policies, and procedures relevant to the organisation.
Leadership & Management
* Applies the right leadership strategies to deliver business objectives.
* Manages and motivates the accounting team to optimise performance and effectiveness.
* Collaborates and supports the company to achieve the objectives for the organisation, while using the appropriate IT assets available.
* Is proactive and strategic in anticipating organisational needs while recognising the wider business environment.
Management Accounting
* Uses development and performance management across the wider business and technological environment, as part of the strategic planning and implementation of better financial systems and processes.
* Helps to highlight business performance by working with business leaders in selecting and measuring financial and non-financial performance indicators.
* Collaborates on all tactical and organisational levels involved with budgeting, control, capital investments, resource management and people.
* Consults on design and use of the latest technology and information systems to evolve decision making and organisational performance.
Person Specification
* Minimum of 5 years experience in Financial Services, SME or divisional finance as a part of a larger group.
* ACCA qualified or equivalent.
* Direct reports - leadership and development of a small team of 3/4 finance staff located locally or remotely.
* Excellent analytical, numerical and problem solving skills.
* Ability to work to a tight deadline.
* Strong business acumen and the ability to influence at all levels.
* Ability to plan, manage and liaise with external auditors.
* Decision making skills by analysing, evaluating and communicating financial performance and positions.
* Demonstrable drive, self-motivation and determination to achieve results.
* Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills combined with a proven track record of relationship management and customer focus.
* Strong influencing, negotiation and leadership and management skills.
* Team player.
* Customer obsessed.
* Consistently demonstrates behaviours conducive to achieving both personal and team objectives, in line with the core values of Verlingue.
Salary: £80000 - £90000 per annum + plus car allowance & benefits
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