Financial Controller (Part time)

Financial Controller

We are seeking an experienced, proactive and commercially minded Financial Controller to take responsibility for the day-to-day management and oversight of our finance function within our growing forklift sales, hire and service business.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the Accounts function, ensuring the accurate and efficient management of day-to-day financial activities, while taking ownership of management accounts, financial reporting, cash flow, budgeting, financial controls and the wider finance function.

Reporting directly to the Directors, this is a hands-on role suited to an experienced finance professional who is comfortable working within an SME environment and taking ownership of the finance function. The successful candidate will work closely with the existing Accounts team, providing guidance and oversight while ensuring the business receives accurate and timely financial information.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Department Management

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running and management of the finance function.
• Review and ensure the accuracy of work completed by the Accounts function.
• Manage finance deadlines and ensure all routine accounting processes are completed accurately and on time.
• Provide guidance, support and direction to the existing Accounts team.
• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the finance function.
• Act as the main finance point of contact for the Directors and wider management team.

Management Reporting

• Prepare and produce accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Provide clear commentary and analysis on financial performance and key variances.
• Monitor revenue, margins, overheads and profitability across the business.
• Provide the Directors with timely and meaningful financial information to support business decisions.
• Analyse financial performance against budget, forecast and prior periods.
• Assist with annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting processes.
• Develop and improve management reporting as required by the business.

Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Prepare and maintain short and long-term cash flow forecasts.
• Monitor cash balances and identify potential cash flow risks.
• Provide the Directors with visibility of current and future cash requirements.
• Oversee working capital, including debtor and creditor balances.
• Monitor aged debt and support effective credit control.
• Review supplier payments and cash commitments.
• Identify opportunities to improve cash flow and working capital management.

Financial Control

• Take responsibility for the month-end accounting process.
• Perform and review monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
• Ensure the company's financial records are accurate, complete and up to date.
• Maintain appropriate financial controls and accounting procedures.
• Review existing processes and implement improvements where appropriate.
• Ensure accounting policies and financial procedures are consistently followed.
• Support external accountants and auditors as required.

Fixed Asset Management

• Maintain and review the company's fixed asset register.
• Record additions, disposals and depreciation accurately.
• Ensure company assets are appropriately tracked and accounted for.
• Review the treatment of capital expenditure and ensure appropriate accounting procedures are followed.

Tax, Payroll & Statutory Reporting

• Oversee the preparation of VAT returns and ensure deadlines are met.
• Support payroll and pension administration when required.
• Assist with year-end accounts and statutory reporting.
• Liaise with external accountants, auditors and other professional advisers as required.
• Ensure appropriate financial records and supporting documentation are maintained.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist the Directors with the preparation of annual budgets.
• Maintain and update financial forecasts throughout the year.
• Monitor actual performance against budget and forecast.
• Investigate significant variances and provide appropriate commentary.
• Support the Directors with financial modelling and analysis where required.

Commercial & Business Support

• Provide financial analysis and insight to support business decision-making.
• Work with the Directors and operational teams to understand financial performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Monitor departmental costs and profitability.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and bring these to the attention of the Directors.
• Provide advice and insight on financial implications of operational and commercial decisions.
• Support the continued growth and development of the business through improved financial information and controls.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Senior Management Accountant or similar senior finance role.
• AAT, ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Experience of taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of a finance/accounts function.
• Strong knowledge of management accounting and financial reporting principles.
• Proven experience preparing monthly management accounts.
• Strong understanding of cash flow forecasting and working capital management.
• Experience with month-end processes and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Excellent Excel and financial reporting skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of the finance function.
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to Directors and non-finance colleagues.
• Experience improving finance processes, controls and reporting.

Pay: £30,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person