Head of Finance

We’re working with a growing business in Harlow to recruit a Finance Manager, overseeing an Accounts Assistant and all Financial Operations. This role will be working closely with the Managing Director and looking to develop and improve processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee cashflow management, ensuring operational efficiency.
• Optimize supplier terms and manage credit control processes to maintain financial stability.
• Assist senior management in developing and implementing financial strategies.
• Coordinate with external accountants to ensure compliance with statutory reporting requirements.
• Manage foreign exchange transactions and monitor currency requirements.
• Supervise accurate and efficient order processing, ensuring adherence to operational timelines.
• Utilize accounting software (e.g., Sage) to post and create invoices, credits, payments, and statements for customers and suppliers.
• Monitor customer accounts and perform credit control, including chasing overdue payments.
• Ensure supplier accounts are current and that payments are made promptly.
• Manage invoice discounting processes, including daily uploads and drawdowns.
• Reconcile bank, invoice discounting, and credit card accounts.
• Conduct month-end routines, including journal entries and financial reporting.
• Process sales and purchase orders, ensuring accurate documentation and organization of payments.
• Oversee supplier approvals, stock receipts, allocations, and shipping processes.
• Maintain and update budgets, analyzing variances and collaborating with management to address issues.
• Regularly update financial forecasts to identify cashflow requirements and ensure adequate funding.
• Monitor and manage foreign currency needs to meet operational demands.

Essential Criteria:

• Proven experience in a financial management role, ideally in a similar industry or environment.
• Preference on professional accounting qualification (e.g., AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or in the process of completing such qualifications.
• Experience working on Sage.