Job Description
A really exciting opportunity has arisen to join a well known company based in the heart of High Wycombe. This role is pivotal as will be supporting and working closely with the CEO.
We are seeking a seasoned, hands-on Financial Controller/Finance Manager to lead our transition from a founder-led operation to a professional, board-led organization. With a current turnover of £5M, the business is ready to internalize its financial management. To be successful in this role, you would of has experience in spinning lots of plates and be the go to person.
This role is dual-purpose: you will relieve the Managing Director of day-to-day transactional tasks (payroll, payments, bank oversight) while simultaneously building the reporting frameworks and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) required for a formal Board of Directors.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Governance & Board Reporting
* Board Pack Development: Design and deliver monthly financial board packs, providing clear narratives on P&L, balance sheets, and KPIs.
* Strategic Oversight: Transition the business from "informal" founder-led decision-making to data-driven, board-led governance.
* Commercial Insight: Act as a financial sounding board for the MD and the Board to support growth and scalability.
SOP Development & Process Documentation
* Operational Audit: Conduct a thorough review of existing "tribal knowledge" workflows to identify gaps and risks.
* Manual Creation: Lead the documentation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all financial and administrative functions.
* Internal Controls: Establish and document formal approval processes for expenditures, procurement, and payroll to ensure accountability.
Financial Management & Operations
* Transactional Ownership: Manage all bank reconciliations, payment approvals, and cash flow monitoring.
* Payroll & HR: Oversee the processing of salaries and wages and maintain basic HR compliance/personnel records.
* Month-End: Full ownership of management accounts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
* External Liaison: Manage the relationship with external accountants for year-end filing and tax compliance.
Systems & Integration
* Software Management: Maintain and optimize Xero/Sage platforms.
* Systems Linkage: Ensure seamless data flow between the company CRM systems and the accounting software to maintain a "single source of truth."
3. Candidate Profile
Experience & Qualifications
* SME Background: Proven experience as a Financial Controller in a business with £2M–£10M turnover.
* Transformation Expert: Specific experience moving a company from a founder-led environment to a board-led structure.
* SOP Architect: A strong track record in auditing, writing, and implementing formal SOPs and internal controls.
Technical Skills
* Software: Expert-level proficiency in Xero or Sage and experience with various CRM integrations.
* Reporting: Advanced Excel skills and experience in creating professional Board-level reporting suites.
* HR/Payroll: Practical knowledge of payroll processing and SME-level HR requirements.
Personal Attributes
* The "Builder" Mindset: Comfortable working in a changing environment where processes need to be built from scratch.
* Clarity: The ability to explain complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders clearly and concisely.
* Integrity: High level of discretion and professional ethics when handling sensitive company and payroll data.