Finance controller/FD designate£65-75,000 +car + BonusOur client was formed in 1995 and has since grown to be the one of the largest privately owned national freight networks in the UK, building a reputation for reliability and quality of service. The broader team consists of over 600 direct and indirect staff. With corporate depots, a franchisee network, and delivery partner sites in excess of 40 nationwide, it's reputation for customer focused logistics continues to strengthen.

As the head of the finance function, the Financial Controller/Finance Director Designate will work closely with the Chairman, MD, and Board, in order to meet the information, reporting, and strategic demands, consistent with the ambitious strategic growth plans formulated for the business. The business has traded well through the challenges of lockdown, is ahead of growth plans, well capitalised, low geared and liquid, and in a great position to experience further growth in the niche markets which it is seeking to develop. Technological innovation is advanced, with further investment already scheduled for the coming 18 months, and remains a key part of the business's strategic plans.

This is an exciting opportunity, reporting to the MD, the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to lead the finance function, demonstrate their commercial and financial ability, and genuinely add value to the growth journey, along with broader opportunities for self-development into a board FD role, and exposure to senior board members.

Key Responsibilities

Day to day management of a team of up to 8 peopleOwnership of business reporting to strict monthly deadlinesMonth end reporting including preparation & review of management reports for internal & external distribution;Explanation of deviation to plan/forecast with proposals for corrective actionDevelopment & monitoring of the financial KPIs of the businessBusiness Partner key internal stakeholders to understand and drive business performanceControl & process responsibility for the full remit of the Finance FunctionProvide financial insight and support for new bids and tenders Preparation & maintenance of the process control documentationPreparation & review of year end schedules to assist with the audit process and auditor liaisonAppraisal process for monitoring staff performanceAd-hoc project-based reportingCash management and reporting, cash collectionPlanning & forecasting of P&L, balance sheet & cashflowSupport for sales activity e.g. costing work at bid stageSupport for hub and network operations working with the Operations DirectorManagement of capital budgetPreparation of annual statutory accounts

Skills & knowledge required

Control of full aspect of the finance functionManaging, development, & monitoring of the teamFinancial KPI production & reportingExceptional communication skills with internal & external customersProduction of finance process control documentation, analysis & reportingAnalytical review of general ledger, monthly performanceReview of P&L and balance sheet reconciliationsTypical work experience to date

Minimum 5 years PQELeading finance team within SMEWorked within logistics/transportation sector (desirable)Understanding of the rigorous reporting deadlines Process mapping & documentation of finance process cyclesDemonstrable experience of partnering operations to drive business performanceUse/review of accounting-based softwareYear-end account production & auditor liaisonRequirements

Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA).High level of computer literacy, especially Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint.Self-starter - able to be productive with minimal support and motivate the teamStrong work ethicAbility to work to as part of a teamAbility to challenge the status quoAbility to interact and communicate at all levelsExcellent written & oral communication skills