Finance Manager
Our client, an independent media house based in Islington, has an opening for a part qualified Finance Manager to join their growing team.
As the Finance Manager and reporting to the Managing Director you will play a significant role in the company preparing, developing, and analysing key financial information to support the executive team in making informed decisions, ensuring the company meets its business objectives effectively and sustainably.
You will oversee financial policies and our management information system, manage the finance team, and maintain accurate and up-to-date records and processes. Your responsibilities include timely invoicing, prompt cash collection, expense oversight, cash flow management, and management accounting. Additionally, you will lead the budgeting and audit processes.
Collaboration with the executive team is essential to provide comprehensive support and contribute to the company’s success.
Key Results Areas:
- To support the executive team in delivering the business plan, demonstrated by:
- Accurate on-time management information (MIP),
- Identification of future issues and opportunities,
- Quality of analysis,
- Support of strategy development including management of budget process.
- To deliver effective finance operations, demonstrated by:
- Accuracy and timeliness of work,
- Good cashflow management,
- A good clean audit,
- VAT reconciliations and submissions with zero errors
- Good communication.
- To constructively stretch your team demonstrated by:
- Quality of output,
- Achievement of stretch targets,
- Effective learning and development progress.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.
Others may be assigned.
- Generate Comprehensive Financial Reports: Prepare and present management and statutory reports, including VAT returns, profit and loss statements, balance sheet reconciliations, budgets, cash flow statements, variance analysis, and insightful commentaries.
- Support Executive Decision-Making: Keep the executive team informed about progress towards business plan objectives. Provide proactive guidance to ensure sound financial decisions and adherence to the budget, promoting effective and strategic spending.
- Oversee Accounting System Management: Maintain and enhance the accuracy and timeliness of our accounting system. Ensure thorough data backup, proper record-keeping, and the integrity of financial information.
- Communicate Objectives and Uphold Confidentiality: Clearly articulate company objectives and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information. Foster a positive and collaborative company culture.
- Manage Audit Processes: Oversee all aspects of the audit process, ensuring a thorough and successful audit outcome.
- Ensure Timely and Accurate Invoicing: Manage the invoicing process to ensure timely and accurate billing, and ensure that payments are received promptly.
- Manage Cash Flow and Financial Operations: Oversee cash flow management, the purchase ledger, and staff expense processing to ensure smooth financial operations.
- Oversee Supplier Payments and Banking Relationships: Ensure timely payment to suppliers in accordance with company policies and manage relationships with banking partners.
- Develop and Lead High-Performing Teams: Build and maintain motivated and effective teams. In alignment with company policy, hire and retain top talent, conduct regular performance reviews, set semi-annual performance targets, and address underperformance to drive high achievement.
- Maintain Effective Communication: Foster clear and effective communication with teams, customers, suppliers, and stakeholders while ensuring the confidentiality of company information.
- Engage with Industry Representatives: Participate in after-hours networking with customers, readers, and industry professionals as needed.
Involved in:
- Participate in Executive Team Meetings: Attend meetings to contribute to strategy development and target achievement as needed.
- Operational Analysis: Analyse company operations to identify profitable activities and advocate for investments that support the long-term sustainability of the company.
- Board Reporting: Provide comprehensive financial reports and updates to the board on the company’s financial position.
Person Specification Essential
- Proven Self-Management: Demonstrated ability to achieve results, optimise profits, and provide effective and timely reporting.
- Assertive Communicator: Strong interpersonal skills with the capability to engage and collaborate effectively with individuals at all organisational levels.
- Results-Oriented: Persistent focus on achieving goals, evidenced by meeting deadlines, managing change, solving problems, and effectively utilising resources.
- Strong Numerical and Analytical Skills: Proven success in identifying profit and market opportunities through detailed financial analysis.
- Effective Team Player: Skilled in people management, delegation, and holding team members accountable for achieving ambitious results.
Desirable
- Track record of success in a small company environment.
- Good customer handling and debt collection skills.
- Proficient in Sage Line 50, Xero and Excel.
- Publishing finance experience, particularly and understanding of newstrade sales and ABC reporting.
Education
You will be committed to continuous learning and will be a part qualified accountant. A match with the following line management knowledge, skills and behaviour will be expected.
Knowledge
- Understands how company HR policies and procedures work
- The function of performance review
- The use of company wide and departmental targets
- The use of process to ensure on time completion of tasks
- The manager’s role in relation to the team and the business
- The purpose of delegation
- People’s strengths and weaknesses
Skills
- Able to carry out an effective performance review
- Effective communicator using a wide range of techniques
- Effective motivator using a wide range of techniques
- Consistent application of company procedures
- Able to challenge poor performance and manage the consequences
- Able to build an honest and trusted relationship with team
- Creates environment in which people can excel
Behaviour
- Effective listening and acting on feedback
- Receptive to ideas, identifies alternatives and involves a wide range of people in planning
- Continually provides constructive feedback
- Presents ideas so everyone can understand them
- Leads by example
- Includes whole team so all feel valued
- Challenges poor performance and promotes excellence
To apply, please submit your CV today! We appreciate your interest, but due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted.