A thriving SME is seeking a Financial Controller to bring its finance function in-house and take ownership of day-to-day financial operations. As such this is a newly created role that will enable someone to create autonomy within this role. Supporting the CEO, you will combine hands-on accounting with the opportunity to shape processes, strengthen reporting and give the Directors clear visibility of business performance. This would suit an experienced SME finance professional who enjoys variety, autonomy and seeing the impact of their work.

Job Title: Financial Controller

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Caterham

Salary: £45,000 - £47,000

Reference no: 16191

Financial Controller – Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase a further 5 days
• Private medical insurance
• Company bonus scheme
• Pension scheme
• Hybrid working with 3 days in the office.
• Car parking
• Full-time position, 09:00 am – 17:30
• A working environment that values work-life balance

Financial Controller – About The Role

With bookkeeping previously outsourced, this appointment offers the opportunity to establish an effective in-house finance function within a growing SME business.

Working closely with the Directors and external accountants, you will manage the detail behind the numbers while providing timely reporting and practical financial insight. Your remit will span transactional finance, management accounts, payroll and compliance, alongside developing the controls and procedures needed to support the business as it grows. Your responsibilities will include:

• Taking ownership of Xero, maintaining accurate ledgers, reconciliations and balance sheet records
• Preparing monthly management accounts, including profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow reporting
• Supporting annual budgets and forecasts, highlighting financial risks and cash requirements
• Managing project invoicing in line with agreed terms, purchase orders and milestones
• Overseeing credit control, resolving queries and working with the Directors to improve collections
• Processing supplier invoices, weekly payment runs, staff expenses and company card transactions
• Managing monthly payroll, including PAYE, RTI submissions, payrolled benefits and pension contributions
• Preparing and submitting quarterly VAT returns under Making Tax Digital
• Preparing year-end schedules and supporting external accountants with statutory accounts and corporation tax requirements
• Establishing clear financial controls and documented procedures to ensure continuity during holidays and absence

The successful Financial Controller will have:

• Proven hands-on experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller or Senior Bookkeeper or similar within a UK SME
• Strong working knowledge of Xero, covering ledgers, reconciliations, invoicing, reporting and VAT
• Experience preparing management accounts and cash flow forecasts, supported by a sound understanding of the balance sheet
• Practical experience of UK payroll software, PAYE, National Insurance and pension auto-enrolment
• Demonstrable credit control experience and confident Excel skills
• The confidence to communicate with Directors, customers and suppliers
• An organised, proactive approach, with the ability to work independently and manage competing deadlines

Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role and comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics. Due to the high volume of applications we currently receive, we are unable to respond to all candidates. If you do not hear from a Consultant within 5 working days, please assume that you have not been successful.

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