Financial Controller – Oxford

Financial Controller, operational No 1 SME finance role, Northern Home Counties/M1 Corridor, c£70,000

Our client, is a relatively new company with established operations in the Renewable Power Sector, backed by a leading investment management group who invests in clean sustainable energy interests. This exciting phase of their strategy has created an opportunity for an experienced and self-disciplined Financial Controller to join them. The company has three operational bio-energy plants totalling c.4MW and is well placed to expand their interests and ventures through both development and acquisition.

Working within a matrix structure and closely with the Senior management team, this is a pivotal hands-on role within this demanding and operational business. You will have total responsibility for all aspects of financial management, including corporate accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, budget and forecasts preparation, as well as development of internal control policies and procedures. This is a demanding position and will suit an ambitious qualified Financial Controller who can demonstrate they are a team player, strong financial controllership, and a willingness and ability to dive into the detail as necessary. The role will include the occasional travel to the company’s corporate offices and main operational site in the Midlands. Key responsibilities and priorities:

Key responsibilities and priorities:

• Continue to develop a solid robust framework of financial controls backed by sound policies and procedures
• Responsible for managing revenue recognition that will include ROC and RHI statements.
• Preparation of  half yearly and year end statutory accounts, and liaison with auditors
• Development and production of meaningful monthly reporting to strict deadlines
  Manage all team accounting operations including Sales Ledger, Accounts Payable, Payroll and Financial Planning & Analysis
• Maximise cash flows within the business by applying sound principles of credit and debt management, ensuring adherence to the Companies’ bank covenants at all times: instigate an early warning mechanism for potential defaults.

Ensuring tight cash management routines are enforced throughout the operations to maximise cash for the business.  Liaise and communicate with external professional bodies and present appropriate levels of reporting to investors and bankers as appropriate. Timely production of budgets, forecasts and rolling forecasts and report variances. Preparation and production of monthly Management accounts.  Developing a program of continuous improvement – Working with management at all levels to understand their reporting and financial needs, thus improving quality of output and usefulness of information – converting data into meaningful management information.  Project manage – Liaise and support potential systems development with 3^rd party advisors, currently operating on Xero based accounting system.  Manage and comply regulatory reporting requirements and tax filings.

Person

As a key member of the management team this role requires a person who can excel and adapt in a operational, multi-site, growing and changing environment. It is of paramount importance that you are reliable, professional, promotes team spirit and subscribes to continual improvement. The position also demands a strong communicator who is able to build strong working relationships at various levels within the organisation so they can influence decisions and therefore performance in a pro-active manner. Experience, breadth and depth of knowledge of new venture start-ups and growth changing businesses will be advantageous. The right personal qualities are very important to the business so someone who possesses a can do attitude and can muck in and support a small team will ensure your long term success in their culture.

• Of graduate calibre with recognised CCAB qualification ideally ACA/ACCA/ACMA
• Minimum 5 + years of overall combined accounting and finance experience
• Attention to detail is important, experience of working for a small/medium sized  business or subsidiary of a larger group would be a benefit
• You must be able to demonstrate a track record of personal development, whilst having the potential capacity to grow
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
• Proven experience with creating financial statements and analytical ability
• Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year end close process
• Previous experience in a similar position, including experience of providing Financial Control and analysis
• Excellent IT skills and Excel modelling skills (Zero accounting system)
• Responsible with an innovative and Hands on Approach are a prerequisite
• Technically sound and commercially astute in order to challenge and communicate recommendations across senior management
• Experience within food/farm waste, renewable power, multi-site operational could be an advantage but not a prerequisite
• Possesses high ethical standards
• Excellent accounting software user and administration skills