Financial Controller | Ashton Fire Location: Bicester office (Hybrid) Hours: Part time | days and hours negotiable. Who we are: Ashton Fire is a dynamic and rapidly growing Fire Safety and Engineering Consultancy. Operating from an ethical platform, our social and environmental values are at the core of our organisation and service delivery. We strive to provide the highest quality, morally and ethically balanced service to our clients whilst maintaining a team focused working environment. About the role: The principal responsibility of the role is to manage the accounting and reporting financial operations within Ashton Fire, working closely with our external Accountants and internal team. The role encompasses line management of the Finance Manager, ensuring appropriate financial controls and risk management systems are in place, and supporting the strategic financial management of the business. We recognise that finance is a large and all-encompassing role which will grow alongside the business’ growth. We will support the training and development needed to assure your professional development alongside the needs of the business. Responsibilities: Advise, deliver and report on financial priorities Proactively advise on the financial impact of decisions Align financial reporting output to strategic objectives Continuously evolve systems and processes to ensure they remain efficient and effective Coordinate the budget and forecasting process in line with the strategic priorities Report into Board on performance and take instructions / actions from Board Ensure compliance at all levels – assessing financial, tax and reporting compliance of all business initiatives and adapt to changing legislation Line manage and mentor current Finance team Record Keeping: oversee all transactions and financial events, ensuring timely and accurate records are kept Management Accounts: manage an efficient month end process, ensuring all transactions, including accruals and prepayments, are accurately recorded, and oversee the preparation of our monthly management accounts Reporting and Management Information: develop weekly/monthly/quarterly reports for stakeholders within the business. Identify issues and opportunities Budget and Forecasting; prepare annual budget and quarterly forecasts that provide clear financial targets and align to the strategic objectives Accounts Payable: oversee timely payments made externally for goods/services, including expenses and bill management. Ensuring financial accountability of costs and management of suppliers. Our supply chain must match or exceed our values Accounts Receivable: manage invoicing procedures, supporting achievement of monthly targets, payments received in for our services. Maintain strong, proactive, credit control procedures. Payroll benefits: manage the payroll process, briefing payroll processors each month and ensuring the team are paid accurately and on time. Work closely with payroll partners to ensure taxes, pensions and other benefits are accurately calculated and paid on to the necessary agencies. Collaborate with the people team to implement new / maintain current team benefits Internal audits controls: manage and conduct internal audits and controls. Ensure the business is in line with regulations and is in good financial health General support: on other financial tasks such as budgeting, cashflow management, R&D Tax Rebate claims and scoping of future team benefits as required Skills you will bring: Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA). Solid and demonstrable experience in a similar level role. Experience working in an Engineering/Design Engineering/Fire Engineering/Professional Services/Consulting industry a distinct advantage. Strong, positive communication skills at all levels of the organisation. Work with a high level of integrity and ethics. Attention to detail. Good problem-solving abilities. Excellent organisation and time management skills. Commercially astute/business savvy. Multi-tasking team player with the ability to use initiative and work at pace. Familiar with the latest trends, technology, legal requirements, and best practice in relation to financial matters. A thorough understanding of productivity tools, such as accounting packages, project management systems, and MS Excel, and how their effective use can enhance value across the organisation. Possess a growth mindset (that allows the role and finance function to adapt as the organisation continues to develop). Perks & Benefits: Most of our benefits are available to all employees from day one of employment. Flexible working 9 day working fortnight (after successfully passing probation) Private medical insurance & cash plan Company bonus scheme Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave Life assurance Company events & socials Employee assistance programme Group income protection Enhanced parental leave Cycle to work scheme