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 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.