Head of Finance / Group Accountant job, SME service sector, Crewe, Up to £54000

We have a rare and exciting opportunity to join a successful and dynamic group of companies in the heart of Cheshire, with a turnover of circa £50 million.

We're looking for an exceptionally well trained and experienced Head of Finance / Group Accountant that possesses sound commercial judgement. You'll be taking a head role in ensuring the efficient financial controls across multiple entities and with multiple income streams. We're seeking a candidate who feels as comfortable with management accounting as they do statutory accounting, leading audits, budgeting, forecasting and benchmarking.

On the projects side you will enhance financial controls and processes and will implement new software and systems to improve insight and efficiency.

What you'll need to succeed:

You'll be a professionally qualified finance professional (ACA/ACCA/CIMA), probably operating at Head of Finance or Senior Financial Controller level ideally in an SME environment.

Your skills in identifying potential improvements and leading finance projects will be demonstrable and your experience of using technology in previous roles will be obvious. Most importantly, you'll possess the ability to recognise the values and cultures of a growing business and hit the ground running within a friendly and likeminded team environment.

You will be responsible for:

Oversight and production of rolling quarterly 3 Year Business Plans and weekly rolling 3-month forecasts to provide insight into business trading

Review of balance sheet reconciliations and controls (including improvement plans) and opportunities and risks.

Oversight of Tax and Technical areas for the group including stats process and VAT compliance

Oversight of cashflow forecasting process

Cover for key business processes such as bank payments and payroll approval

Strategy; Responsibility for Finance department strategy, team, deliverables, & future planning. On-going review & update of Finance objectives to ensure they align with the Company's strategy direction and are fit for purpose.

Budgeting & Planning; Lead on financial forecasting and planning cycles. Implement first class financial processes across the business. Ensure senior leadership team are clear on budget targets, they own budget phasing & final budget is signed-off. Upload final budgets in NetSuite.

Commercial; Finance lead on business development projects. Review of performance vs budget/targets, especially P&Ls. Department insight/analysi. Support Investment appraisal process and comparison/evaluation of business cases.

Full Company and subsidiary companies Year-end account preparation and submissions ready for audit.

To be considered for this position you will have experience with:

Monthly management accounts

Preparation of year-end schedules, reconciliations & documentations

Liaising with external accountants and auditors

Profit & loss

Balance sheet

Cashflow monitoring and forecasting

Managing purchase orders

Expense claims

(No recruiters at this time please)