Financial Controller

Rothamsted Enterprises seek an experienced Financial Controller to oversee all aspects of financial management, including corporate accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, budget and forecast preparation, and the creation of internal control policies and procedures.

This is a new role for the organisation as REL is now bringing the finance team in house. The role will report directly into the CEO and will be required to attend quarterly board meetings and lead on the annual financial audit. The responsibilities of the Finance Controller will also include financial risk management.

About The Company:

 Rothamsted Enterprises Limited (REL) was established in 2015 by its shareholders, Lawes Agricultural Trust, Rothamsted Research and BBSRC. Rothamsted Enterprise is a commercial organisation that generates income which is gifted back to the partners to contribute to the ongoing science and research undertaken by Rothamsted Research.

REL’s Key strategic objectives are

•             To foster relationships on and offsite to
•             To facilitate opportunities for collaboration and growth and deliver impact to
•             To Align ourselves with Government priorities

Our portfolio includes.

•             Office and Lab spaces to rent to start up business.
•             A modern conference centre.
•             A campus café
•             A Grade 1 listed Manor house

Our team culture is supportive, friendly, honest, hardworking, and ambitious. We have a strong commitment to learning and development, equality, and diversity. An attractive benefits package including 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, a generous pension scheme, with salary sacrifice option. An attractive campus close to nature, offering walks and recreational activities - such as tennis courts, and a small gym. The campus offers free parking and excellent transport links.

Responsibilities

• Manage all accounting operations, including Billing, Invoicing, Accounts Payable, General Ledger, & management account reporting.
• Coordinate and direct the formulation of the budget and financial projections, as well as the reporting of variances.
• Prepare and publish monthly financial statements in a timely manner.
• Quarterly Board report preparation & attendance at meetings
• Monitoring & balancing of cash flows
• Facilitate& manage the month-end and year-end close processes.
• Maintain quality assurance over financial transactions and reporting.
• Manage and comply with accounting & tax filing requirements (including VAT returns)
• Develop, document & maintain business processes and accounting policies in order to preserve and bolster internal controls.
• Ad hoc project work as required.

KPI 

• To increase opportunities for improvement in the finance process
• To run a successful annual audit with no more than 5 Management recommendations
• To ensure business operates with an agreed level of cash in the bank
• To ensure debtors are managed within the agreed limit

Requirements and Skills

• Proven experience in the role of Financial Controller.
• Five or more years of comprehensive accounting and finance experience.
• Advanced education in Accountancy – ACA, ACCA, ACMA
• Comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and procedures.
• Experience with financial statement preparation.
• Experience with general ledger functions and month-end & year-end close.
• Outstanding accounting software administration and user skills.