Job Description

Our client is a global automotive market leader who offer a wide range of innovative financial services products. This is a high profile role where as the Financial Controller you will deputise for the FD / CFO along with an opportunity to become the natural successor to the FD within the next two years.

This is a senior role within the business leading the financial accounting function. The Financial Controller will ensure that all accounting records are accurately recorded and that reported results comply with accounting standards and legislation. You will contribute to the financial strategy of the business and will be pivotal in the development of internal control policies and procedures in the company from a finance perspective. Deputising for Finance Director / CFO as required and working independently to identify and deliver process improvements. The finance team is an integral part of the company - supporting the business by providing payroll, consolidated group IFRS accounts, tax advice, pricing, reporting & forecasting to local stakeholders & parent company. Working with colleagues across the company to deliver strategy and growth aspirations & ensuring sound management of finances.

Key Responsibilities - include:

• Delivery of accurate, timely financial reporting & record keeping
• Ownership of reporting to parent Co. for consolidation 
• Ensuring finance processes & policies are maintained & implemented.
• UK Tax (CT/VAT) - tax strategy, relationship with HMRC & Transfer Pricing
• Pro-actively initiating change. Streamlining as is & driving improvements
• Leading on systems replacement & key projects for finance
• Ownership of UK General ledger
• Direction of the team in line with corporate vision High level key tasks of department:
• Managing all day-to-day accounting operations - AR, AP, General Ledger
• Ensuring delivery of stat accounts (Local co & group), including audit
• Supplier management e.g., GL Software / Banks / External audit
• Provision of payroll / tax services (including to group Co’s)

As a key leader in the finance team and a senior manager within the business you will gain experience of working in a fast moving and dynamic company. You will gain experience of working with external and internal stakeholders, and senior leaders up and including board members. As well as working with UK, Japanese and European colleagues to deliver our financial reporting, projects and change initiatives. As Financial Controller, you will actively participate in the development of the companies short, medium and long-term business planning, and be responsible for implementing these strategies.

Key Experience & Skills:

Essential:

• Qualified accountant – ideally ACA or ACCA
• Previous experience of working in the financial services sector (ideally automotive finance sector)
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles & procedures
• Experience of: IFRS including group consolidation Creating & consolidating financial statements Leading large team Initiating & delivering change / improvements
• Ability to develop and mentor colleagues / subordinates
• MS Office – Excel, PowerPoint, Word etc Desirable:
• Financial Services or Motor Experience
• Knowledge of SAP
• Asset Backed Securitisation

To succeed in this role, you will need to display the following attributes / behaviours:

• Commercial awareness / mindset
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to lead team independently.
• The ability to identify and drive forward change proactively.
• Stakeholder management skills e.g., ability to flex style as need.
• Growth mindset and desire to work outside your comfort area.
• Commercial awareness / mindset and the ability think beyond the numbers