Assistant Financial Controller

Assistant Financial Controller

Purpose and scope of the role

We are looking for a responsible and detail-oriented assistant controller to work under the direction of the Group Financial Controller and assist with the preparation of financial statements, budget reports, and internal control systems. The assistant controller's duties also include assisting the people team with payroll, accounts payable/receivable, reconciling accounts, and assisting with financial audits. You must be able to work independently and with the highest levels of integrity.

To be successful as an assistant controller you should have exceptional accounting skills and knowledge of relevant industry regulations. The ideal candidate will also be well-organized and have excellent management skills.

They will support the Group Financial Controller in establishing and developing a set of finance policies and procedures that meets the financial reporting and corporate governance standards expected of a publicly listed company.

Overall, they will embody an entrepreneurial spirit and a proactive mindset to help drive a business on a steep growth curve.

Main duties and responsibilities

Manage and develop the Accounts Payable team. Keeping them abreast of company development relative to their roles and reporting any unresolved issues/requests into the Group Financial Controller.

Implement effective controls and systems in the Company with which to report the current performance of the business against the Financial Plan and relevant budgets.

Support the Group Financial Controller in the co-ordination of the activities of outside suppliers of financial services hired or contracted – including accountants, auditors, banks, tax advisors etc. This will include the co-ordination of regulatory reporting from outsourced accountancy firms in the US.

Assist in the cashflow forecast process by being responsible for accurately reporting the annual CAPEX budget.

The assistant controller will provide key reporting on Artfarm capital projects encompassing all development and construction costs and preopening spend up to the launch of a new site. Current Artfarm projects include the Invercauld Hotel, Manuela New York restaurant Fish Shop and redevelopment of future staff accommodation projects.

They will also provide financial analysis for the monthly management information pack (MIP) including analysis of any variances to budget and movement in project contingencies.

They will also approve monthly invoices and contractor payments with the Property Director. Ensure transactions are recorded correctly in the financial systems and in accordance with project drawdown schedules. A key remit is also to oversee the fixed asset register and depreciation schedules

Mentoring and managing AP manager and rest of AP team which is currently at 4 FTEs.

Be flexible and willing to travel to offices in London, Somerset and Scotland to ensure a cohesive team working environment and encourage a smooth flow of information processing as a result.

Qualifications, experience, and skills – essential/desired:

• Qualified chartered accountant with 2-3 years PQE preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of technical accounting principles and procedures
• Ability to balance complex detail with wider commercial matters
• Experience in establishing new processes and procedures
• Excellent presentational skills, both verbal and written
• Strong analytical skills
• Must be solution driven with sound problem solving skills and a creative approach with the ability to develop new ideas
• Keen ambition to learn and develop as well as mentor junior staff
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise and organise both work and people to tight deadlines
• Ability to work in a team and independently as well as be comfortable working in an unstructured environment
• Honesty, integrity, reliability
• Excellent accounting software user and administration skills