Financial Controller

Title: Financial Controller

Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 + Benefits

Location: Cardiff

To manage the financial function of the firm –
• to deliver effective accounting and control systems;
• to ensure budgets, forecasts, accounts etc. are prepared on a timely basis
• to produce management information including profitability analysis
• to ensure statutory compliance

To assist in the delivery of the firm’s strategy including market analysis and investment appraisal

Works with the Risk and Fees Committee in managing the firm’s financial exposure to clients
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
Daily management
(a) Has overall responsibility for all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the finance department.
Processes
(b) Ensures the framework (systems, processes, people) exists such that all the financial reporting requirements for the firm are delivered effectively.
Policies
(c) Implements, maintains, updates and advises on policies and procedures to be used by Finance and the rest of the business
Systems
(d) Researches and develops new systems and approaches to work as part of a rolling programme to ensure the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the service delivery
(f) Works with the management team, partners and the credit control team to manage the firm’s financial exposure to clients within the firm’s internal guidelines 

Skills
Qualifications / knowledge required:

Degree (or equivalent)

Due to the specific nature of the role, successful candidates must be a Qualified Accountant (ACA/ ACCA/ CIMA) and have prior management experience within a Professional Services environment (i.e. Legal, Accountancy Practice or Management Consultancy)

Knowledge of legal sector an advantage however all background will be considered

Skills required:
Self-confidence and poise when dealing with managers, partners and third parties
Practical approach to problem-solving – decisions are taken and not passed on
Analytical skills, the ability to identify potential issues, and determine and evaluate possible solutions.
Strong organisational and time management skills, including the ability to work to strict deadlines and to prioritize workloads
Ability to remain calm and objective so as to achieve goals in a high pressured environment.
Commercial and innovative approach – awareness of the key drivers which affect profitability in a professional practice
Strong IT literacy with good report-writing skills - the ability to present quantitative data in a form which is understandable to partners
Excellent communication skills - the ability to deal with difficult people and exert influence where appropriate to achieve desired outcomes
Attention to detail
Good people-management skills – experience of training, delegating work to and supervising a team; ability to work effectively as part of a team;
Knowledge and experience of statutory accounts, financial reporting standards and the regulatory environment for businesses (knowledge of the requirements for accounting by LLP’s an advantage)
Flexible and willing to undertake ad hoc projects