Finance Manager

An opportunity has arisen for our client to appoint its first Financial Manager. The company is looking for someone to work alongside the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), to take the business on the second chapter of its growth.

The role, formally reporting to the Group CFO but also to the COO, is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to work in a start-up environment and to deliver substantial growth. This is an exciting time to join this company who is looking to be the market leader in Automotive Maintenance for both Personal and Fleet covering the UK. (Automotive/Warranty experience is not required)

The successful candidate would ideally be a Qualified Accountant and will need a wide range of abilities. You will need to be able to work strategically providing financial advice to the COO, establish an efficient system of reporting and controls in an immature company, as well as ensuring that the books and records are maintained, with the help of two current Accounts Assistants - who you will manage. Maybe you have come from a Retail or Service industry – both of these could give you a good footing for this role.

Based in the Peterborough offices, essential to drive the day to-day operations forward, with an opportunity for occasional home working.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring that the books and records are maintained, systems are reconciled and journals posted.
• Production of monthly management accounts and the presentation of those accounts to the CFO, COO and also at the monthly board meetings.
• Management of a team of two Accounts Assistants.
• Identifying weaknesses and inefficiencies in internal controls plus putting in place and delivering on plans to address those issues.
• Review of pricing on new products.
• Monitoring the burn rate on policies and providing early identification of accounts that are likely to be unprofitable so that early action can be taken.
• Creating budgets, forecasts and business plans, providing the financial support and strategic thinking to the COO and Group CFO.
• Day-to-day management of the office in Peterborough.
• Identification of cost savings and inefficiencies to improve margins, as well as the development of business cases to support new ideas and investments.
• Provide a sounding board and a key advisor to the COO.
• Support the team to develop the capabilities of the industry-leading computer system.
• Other adhoc duties as required to deliver the growth in the business plan.

Skills Desired:

• A recognised accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACCA,ACA).
• A critical thinker that can articulate ideas and simplify financial information to explain it to non-financial people.
• Previous experience managing an accounts department.
• Strong Excel skills, using it to both report and analyse data as well as produce financial forecasts.
• Knowledge of PowerBI helpful but not essential.
• Strong interpersonal skills, being able to both support and challenge peers and not afraid to have a robust conversation with senior individuals.
• Previous experience managing a small team of people.
• Willingness for occasional travel away from Peterborough, as business needs.
• Ambitious – willing to grow with the company and take on further responsibilities.

In Return

• You will receive a starting Salary of £55-60,000(Dependant on Experience) plus a Company Car and company benefits. As the group grows under your control and influence your salary and package will be reviewed.