FINANCE JOBS

SILENT GLISS is the leading European manufacturer and distributor in a large and diverse market, with global reach. In the UK the company operates from a state of the art production facility based in Broadstairs in Kent, where they employ in the region of 120 staff. The company is long established and known around the globe for the design and production of high end innovative products, exceptional quality and outstanding customer service.

The Head of Finance reports into the UK Managing Director. It is a vital role in a highly commercial and privately owned business that is growing year on year. You will expect to run and manage a robust finance function and provide effective financial and management information aligned with corporate business objectives, for use at the highest levels of the company.

Main Purpose of Job

The Head of Finance will ensure that his/ her team produces accurate and timely company financial information, on a regular basis for the Company Directors’. This will involve the following.

produce, in conjunction with auditors, the annual company accounts and in addition

periodical audited stock control and financial statements.

ensure adequate control of company debtors and creditors and the company’s liquidity position.

provide ad hoc reports as requested by the company using own initiative.

provide information for and participation in, the annual budgeting process, with analysis.

ensure that all Company statutory and legal requirements are fulfilled.

refine and monitor cost controls with reports to management on potential savings.

continuously up-date and improve department working methods and information produced.

Duties

Accounting - General

prepare periodic financial statements, including profit and loss accounts, budgets, cash flows, variance analysis and commentaries

provide financial input by working closely with all departments and the management team to help make financial decisions

ensure spending is kept in line with the budget

inform key strategic decisions and formulate business strategies

advise on the financial implications and consequences of business decisions

analyse financial performance and contribute to medium and long-term business planning and forecasts

offer professional judgement on financial matters and advise on ways to improve business performance

interpret and communicate financial data to non-financial managers

liaise with other function managers to put the finances and accounts into context

monitor and evaluate financial information systems and suggest improvements where needed

implement corporate governance procedures, risk management and internal controls.

Accounting - Specific

overall control of production of annual audited accounts within agreed time scales.

overall control of physical stock count which must take place minimum half-yearly

and end-of-year and in addition as requested.

produce monthly profit and loss statement with accurate costs and estimated gross

margin.

produce cash flow report as and when required.

produce specified monthly / quarterly / annual reports on time and continuously

review and improve them.

In general to carefully monitor Company’s liquidity situation and operate creditors’/ debtors’ ledgers and agreed limits.

ensure that regular monthly credit control meetings are held.

ensure that the Royalty Statement is produced each month

oversee control of VAT compliance.

Administration

ensure that the Company is constantly up-dated and its policies / methods are always in line with legal and statutory obligations.

ensure that the Company is at all times covered by adequate insurances.

Budget

ensure that all background, historical and forecast information is available to enable the

management to produce the annual budget.

General

You will be expected to produce ad hoc reports / proposals in all cases where he / she feels the Company’s efficiency or profit can be improved

Candidate Specification

You will be expected to have strong people management skills.

Business

• Qualified accountant, probably ACA, ACCA or CIMA

• Preference for management accounting and costing background

• Experience of finance role(s) in profit-oriented, privately owned mid cap company

• Understanding of budgeting and financial reporting processes

• Technically sound accountant with good understanding of IT

Personal

• Approachable, pragmatic, practical, grounded

• Must have genuine commercial flair and understanding

• High energy levels, prepared to work the hours it takes to do the job, effectively

• Must be credible in the boardroom and on the ‘factory floor’.

• Must have a real eye for detail

• Must be prepared to speak out for what they believe to be right

• Must be able to influence

To find out more, email chris@zincresourcing.co.uk

Background.

Union Chapel, is a unique multi award-winning performing arts venue, with a global reputation for international cultural events engaging diverse audiences. For 30+ years events have been our lifeblood and income, annually engaging 100,000+ visitors through 250 events.

Union Chapel is more than a venue. A Grade I listed Gothic architectural jewel, it is also home to charities tackling homelessness, social justice, empowering local communities with creative groups, training and employability programmes for local communities. Profits from events substantially support our vital charitable work with local communities and we are a model of good practice for community engagement.

This role joins Union Chapel Project (UCP, the charity) and the Union Chapel family at a pivotal time as we begin to reshape our strategy to reposition ourselves as a leading ethical venue and centre for all, where culture, community, heritage and social justice come together in union.

About the role.

The Interim Head of Finance will be a key member of UCP’s Leadership Team and have responsibility for the overall financial management of the charity and its subsidiaries. The three entities within the Union Chapel Project group are:

Union Chapel Project (UCP) Company no. 02583801, Charity no. 1010166

Union Chapel Directions (UCD) Company no. 03047257

The Margins Project (UCM/Margins) CIO no. 1153070

UCP is primarily responsible for the building, its conservation and repairs, supported by UCD which operates the venue on a commercial basis. Margins leads the community and social justice aspects of our work. The Union Chapel Church (Charity no. 1172808) is a separate entity that does not form part of the UC ‘group’ although there is a day to day working relationship with this entity.

It is anticipated that the role will be for an initial six-month period, with any extension to be subject to agreement with the UCP Board. The primary place of work will be the Union Chapel offices, with any remote working being subject to agreement. During a period of review and resetting of the business strategy and plan, the UCP Board is keen to appoint a person that can undertake a thorough review of the internal finance function to ensure the function is robust and fit for purpose, and delivers effectively to key stakeholders both internally and externally in line with its mission, aims and values. The post holder will make recommendations for approval and subsequent implementation. In addition, the role includes oversight of the finance function where day to day activities are managed by a full-time Finance Manager.

The key stakeholders are the UCP/UCD/The Margins Project boards, the Finance and Remuneration Committee, external funders/suppliers/promoters and internal organisational budget holders. The review will encompass the development and implementation of management reports for budget holders, board reporting packs and a review and strengthening of financial procedures and controls.

The successful candidate.

You will be an exceptional finance leader with proven experience of all the main elements of running and developing a finance function, including management and statutory accounts production, budget setting, forecasting, cashflow management, fund accounting and reserves monitoring. In addition, the candidate will have experience of reporting to multiple boards, managing competing priorities and strategic leadership on the financial elements of the business plan.

How to apply.

Please apply with your CV and a covering letter, of no more than two pages, outlining your skills and experience to meet the requirements of the role, why you want to work for Union Chapel Project and your availability to start. The role will commence in February, and include a handover with the existing incumbent.

Email gordon@renownedresearch.com with “Interim Head of Finance” in the subject line.

Closing date: 31 January 2024

Interviews: Early February with a panel

Equality and Diversity

We are working to become an organisation that is representative of our local community, and want to recruit people from a range of backgrounds who reflect this diversity. We particularly encourage applicants who are currently under represented in our board, workforce and wider sector. This includes but is not limited to candidates who identify as being from Black, Asian and other ethnic backgrounds from the global majority, and candidates who identify as being disabled. We also particularly welcome applicants with their own lived experiences of the challenges we aim to address.

My client is an established, entrepreneurial and family owned food group with operations worldwide and a customer base that includes major UK retailers as well as food service and wholesale sector companies The Group currently comprises 11 registered companies, employs around 2,250 people during peak periods within UK, EU and Africa and has a turnover c£160m with a clear ambition to reach £200m over next 3 years. This year sees the 50th anniversary of the business.

The company has a strong brand, a reputation for developing integrated partnerships at home and around the globe and it is a business that delivers quality produce, sustainably farmed, to its’ customers all year round. With continuous re-investment in farming, production facilities and people, the focus is on delivering commercially sustainable solutions, with communities and the environment at the heart of its’ endeavours.

The Group Finance Director will be responsible for leading all financial and accounting aspects of the Group up to Board level and will work very closely with company directors and the senior leadership team to achieve the strategic corporate objectives of the business. S/he will provide the necessary financial input into the strategy, whilst also providing data driven financial planning and analysis on an ongoing basis. You will be based at the company headquarters in West London and can expect to undertake some UK and international travel.

The Group Finance Director will be responsible, internally, for developing effective relationships across the business in order to facilitate the provision to the Board and management of, timely, accurate and appropriate financial and management information and analysis. S/he will be responsible, externally, for developing and maintaining effective relationships with the full spectrum of third party professional advisers on behalf of the company, in particular, auditors, bankers, brokers and solicitors. This role is therefore concerned both with strategic financial matters and the running of an effective, finance and accounting function.

In conjunction with the Board and leadership team, the Group Finance Director will be responsible for continuous improvement and driving efficiencies to ensure the ongoing profitability of the business.

Interested? Email chris@zincresourcing.co.uk for more information.