Our client is a rapidly growing and profitable technology business and they are now looking to recruit their first FD who will form part of the Leadership Team. The business is well positioned to scale and is on track for a hugely successful year and as such they are looking to scale the finance function to support the future ambitions by putting in place the relevant foundations required to drive the business forward. The FD will take ownership of the finance functions together with the legal aspects of the business, office operations and also to support the people/ HR functions.
About the Role:
As a member of the Leadership Team, a primary responsibility will be leading the organisation on a day to day basis, land with the co-founders (CEO and COO) and other members of the team. The candidate will be involved with setting the strategy and direction of the business, and supporting key decisions by the Board with relevant financial perspectives.
Responsibilities:
- Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A):
- Prepare regular financial reports and forecasts, including P&L, balance sheet and cashflow
- Conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify cost-reduction opportunities
- Collaborate with various other departments to align financial goals and future plans
- When relevant, lead the company wide budget process and track actuals to budget throughout the year
- Finance:
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the finance department, set goals and objectives, and design a framework for these to be met
- Drive continuous improvement of end-to-end accounting practices, including monthly accruals, prepayments and other accounting entries
- Manage working capital, with a particular focus on Accounts Receivable
- Manage the year end accounting, tax, and audit processes
- Corporate Finance:
- Support CEO and Board with fundraising activities and due diligence with investors
- Legal/Compliance:
- Responsible for any finance related regulatory filings and payment deadlines (e.g. sending accounts to companies house, paying VAT, paying PAYE etc.)
- Review supplier and customer contracts for financial implications
- Alongside the People and Operations Lead carry out Risk assessments
- Work with the commercial leads to optimise the commercial momentum and contractual terms
- Non Finance Responsibilities:
- Oversee HR and people operations
- Oversee the legal and risk
- Oversee office operations, with the support of the office management team
Qualifications:
Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA
Required Skills:
- Strong technical accounting knowledge and understanding of financial statistics/trend analysis
- Experience of business planning, financial planning and building business milestones to achieve the strategic objectives of the company
- Experience of working with founders, in a growing business, and an entrepreneurial environment
- Excel and modelling, budgeting and forecasting
Preferred Skills:
- Self-starter who will take on areas of responsibility and deliver tangible outcomes
- High standards of work with an attention to detail
- Very strong interpersonal skills, communication and presentation skills
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
- Organised / systematic approach to work
- Strong time management
- Comfortable challenging and saying no to senior management
- An appreciation of processes and process management
This role would suit a hands-on leader who is comfortable at both 'hands-dirty' aspects of finance as well as high level financial planning, budgeting and determination of appropriate management information. This is a highly visible role requiring somebody with the intellectual horsepower to work effectively at peer level with two ambitious founders. Excellent communication and presentation skills are essential, as is a true 'can-do' attitude.