Financial Controller Devon
Job description
Finance Controller | Job Specification [2023]
Responsible for: Financial Management, Credit Control and HR
Reporting to Senior Management Team
Salary 37,500 per annum
Contract Type Permanent
Hours of Work 37.5 per week (Typically Monday – Friday)
Place of Work Powderham Estate Office | Powderham Castle, Devon
Role Summary
Powderham Castle and surrounding Estate is a privately owned family enterprise, operating as a sole trader – a “600-year-old, family owned, start-up SME”. Operationally, Powderham comprises a diverse Estate (with Farm) and a Heritage business, with central overheads administered from the Estate Office. Estate including Heritage have multiple departments: the Estate team is responsible for the ecosystem service, rural business and property portfolio, while Heritage operates the public access, private hire, education, and conservation activities centred on the Castle and its Heritage landscape. The senior management team is led by Charlie Courtenay, Earl of Devon; day-to-day management is overseen by the Heritage Manager (Derry Tydeman) and the Estate management by our contracted Land Agent (Miles Webber of Stags Michelmore Hughes).
Current financial management systems have been embedded for some years, with financial consultants supporting an in-house bookkeeper. The management team wants to build on recent improvements in reporting MI, budget setting, and year-end processes. After successfully navigating the pandemic and some major capital projects, we are looking, through this role and related changes, to add resilience and dynamism to Powderham’s financial operations with in-house resourcing and a focus on further improvements to support an ambitious multi-year strategy.
The successful candidate would likely recruit a HR & bookkeeping assistant once settled in post to join their team. Our employees have been key to Powderham’s recent success and our HR policies essential in creating and sustaining an appropriate workplace culture. Powderham is a proud and inclusive local employer, with a full-time permanent team of approximately 30 and an additional 80 casual or seasonal staff.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
Finance Management
- Preparation of draft monthly management information (MI) and any other required materials for the monthly senior management meeting and quarterly finance reporting meeting.
- Supervision and support of the in-house bookkeeper.
- Regular liaison with and provision of support for the senior management team.
- Liaison with external advisors regarding production of prompt and accessible reporting requirements.
- Cash flow management, regular updating of the operating cash flow.
- Preparation of draft budgets and supporting departmental managers in the annual budget process: preparation of ad-hoc forecasts as required.
- Supervision of payroll preparation (undertaken by the bookkeeper), and preparation of related reconciliations.
- Preparation of VAT returns / submissions.
- Support development of financial strategy and further improvement of systems.
Credit Control and Purchase Orders
- Produce the creditors and debtors reports for the senior management team as required, a minimum of once per month
- Produce a monthly payment run of supplier payments in line with the requirements of the senior management team.
- Chase outstanding invoice payments, escalating as appropriate.
- Approve or arrange purchase orders, ensuring appropriate controls are adhered to whilst maintaining operational efficiency.
Human Resources
- Potential to recruit and manage a HR assistant (as a joint role with bookkeeping aspects), subject to conversation upon appointment.
- Primary point of contact for employees to discuss issues relating to their employment, benefits, or other issues.
- Oversee employee wellbeing and mental health
- Oversee new employee on-boarding process, supporting the hiring line manager.
- Monitor and record approved annual leave requests for all employees.
- Monitor, update and ensure compliance with policies as defined by the Employee Handbook
- Maintain and support Powderham’s values (including community and inclusivity)
- Handle and support disciplinary processes as required
- Support career development plans, training, and development opportunities across the team.
Candidate Requirements or Desirable Attributes
- Part-qualified accountant, or a similar level of experience with prior experience within a lead financial role and payroll systems.
- Exposure to Estate and Farm accounting practices.
- Sound working knowledge and experience of SAGE accounting software.
- Personable but disciplined working rhythm.
- Able to prioritise and meet deadlines.
- Patient, but with an appetite for constant improvements.
- Pragmatic problem solver – a completer finisher.
- Collegiate; experience working with multi-faceted businesses.
Equal Opportunities Policy
Powderham is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our team, and eliminating discrimination. The aim is for our team to be representative of our society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. Powderham, in providing services and experiences, is committed against discriminations of customers, or the public.
We provide equality, fairness, and respect for all in our employment, whether temporary, part-time, or full-time and provide training to ensure our team support us. We do not tolerate discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Application and Recruitment Process
To apply please email a CV and Covering Letter. Potential candidates are also invited to make contact prior to application if they have any questions regarding this role or the organisation.
Application Deadline 3rd February 2023
Interview Dates Between 6th– 17thFebruary 2023
Start Date April 2023
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £36,000.00-£37,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Store discount
- Wellness programme
- Work from home
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: One location
Application deadline: 03/02/2023
Expected start date: 01/04/2023
