Financial Controller | Ashton FireLocation: This position is open to be based at either our Bicester, London, or Birmingham 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 prioritiesProactively advise on the financial impact of decisionsAlign financial reporting output to strategic objectivesContinuously evolve systems and processes to ensure they remain efficient and effectiveCoordinate the budget and forecasting process in line with the strategic prioritiesReport into Board on performance and take instructions / actions from BoardEnsure compliance at all levels – assessing financial, tax and reporting compliance of all business initiatives and adapt to changing legislationLine manage and mentor current Finance teamRecord Keeping: oversee all transactions and financial events, ensuring timely and accurate records are keptManagement 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 accountsReporting and Management Information: develop weekly/monthly/quarterly reports for stakeholders within the business.
Identify issues and opportunitiesBudget and Forecasting; prepare annual budget and quarterly forecasts that provide clear financial targets and align to the strategic objectivesAccounts 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 valuesAccounts 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 benefitsInternal audits + controls: manage and conduct internal audits and controls.
Ensure the business is in line with regulations and is in good financial healthGeneral support: on other financial tasks such as budgeting, cashflow management, R&D Tax Rebate claims and scoping of future team benefits as requiredSkills 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 working9 day working fortnight (after successfully passing probation)Private medical insurance & cash planCompany bonus schemeEnhanced Maternity & Paternity leaveLife assuranceCompany events & socialsEmployee assistance programmeGroup income protectionEnhanced parental leaveCycle to work scheme