Interim Deputy Finance Controller

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 IFRS16
• 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.
• Joint venture experience is also highly valued.

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.

This position requires a seasoned financial professional with strong technical expertise and the ability to manage both the financial reporting processes and broader strategic finance functions effectively.

Project People is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.