Key accountabilities/responsibilities

1. Financial Management & Reporting

• Management Accounts: Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, ensuring the Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet are accurate and fully reconciled.
• Analysis & Insight: Go beyond the numbers to provide variance analysis (Actual vs. Budget) and identify trends to support business decisions.
• Year-End & Audit: Take full ownership of the year-end audit process, preparing all statutory files and acting as the primary contact for external auditors.

2. Operational execution

• General Ledger Mastery: Ensure the integrity of the general ledger through regular review of reconciliations, accruals, and prepayments.
• Cash Flow Management: Actively monitor daily bank positions and prepare short-to-medium term cash flow forecasts to ensure liquidity.
• Payroll & Transactions: processing of payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable to ensure no bottlenecks occur.

3. Compliance & Taxation

• Tax Filing: Prepare and submit VAT returns and ensure all company filings are compliant with UK regulations.
• Internal Controls: Establish and maintain robust financial controls and procedures to protect company assets and minimise risk.
• Statutory Compliance: Ensure the business remains compliant with all relevant accounting standards .

4. Process Improvement

• Systems Optimization: Drive the efficiency of the accounting software (Xero/Sage/QuickBooks) by implementing automation and better workflows.
• Budgeting Support: Work closely with department heads to develop realistic budgets and monitor spending throughout the year.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: Significant experience in a Senior Accountant, Finance Manager role.
• Qualification: Fully qualified (ACCA/CIMA/ACA) or an exceptionally experienced Finalist/QBE (Qualified by Experience).
• Technical Skills: Xero system and deep familiarity with UK accounting systems and tax laws.

Key Competencies:

• Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to fixing broken processes or reconciling complex discrepancies.
• Communication: Ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial team members clearly.