The role of Deputy Financial Controller on a contract basis in Reading (with 2-3 days per week onsite) entails a wide range of responsibilities across financial accounting, reporting and tax compliance.
Below is a breakdown of the key requirements and responsibilities based on the provided description: Key Responsibilities: Month-end close processes: Ensure timely and accurate month-end closing.
Balance Sheet management: Ensure the balance sheet is accurate, fully reconciled, and that all balance sheet reconciliations have proper approval and format.
Review of Trial Balance (TB): Oversee the trial balance at the end of each month.
Shareholder reporting: Preparation and reporting to shareholders, including intercompany reconciliations.
Leadership & Improvement Projects: Spearhead finance improvement initiatives.
Risk & Opportunity Management: Maintain and review balance sheet risk and opportunity schedules.
Commentary and Analysis: Provide detailed monthly commentary on balance sheet movements.
Internal and Shareholder Reviews: Lead review meetings on monthly financial results.
Statutory accounts: Prepare and file statutory accounts.
Audit Coordination: Manage the audit process for both internal audits and up to 3 shareholder audits annually.
Accounting Policies & Procedures: Review and maintain accounting policy documents, ensuring compliance with IFRS 16.
Documentation: Ensure thorough documentation of controls, and support ISO accreditation processes.
Tax Returns: Work on corporation tax returns in collaboration with external advisors.
Tax Compliance: Ensure compliance with VAT, corporation tax, and employee-related taxes.
Balance Sheet Forecasting & Budgeting: Manage these processes and work with Systems Accountant to optimize financial systems for accounting processes.
Team Management: Oversee the work of a Finance Analyst.
Ad-hoc Projects: Lead or participate in additional projects as needed.
Person Specification (Expertise): Professional Qualification: Must be a qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
Technical Experience: Experience leading financial reporting processes, including preparing trial balances and reporting results for management review.
Statutory accounts preparation and familiarity with IFRS .
Ability to provide technical accounting papers and guidance.
Experience with corporation tax return preparation.
Managerial Experience: Audit management experience (Big 4 experience is an advantage).
Experience in managing financial controls and group consolidations.
Familiarity with finance systems such as Agresso is desired.
Other Skills: Leadership: Experience leading teams, driving improvements, and ensuring the finance department operates smoothly.
Communication: The ability to provide insightful financial commentary and liaise effectively with internal stakeholders and shareholders.