Vero has been engaged exclusively by an international energy services company to recruit a high calibre, professionally qualified accountant into the newly created position of Senior Group Finance Manager. The Senior Group Finance Manager will be responsible for developing and strengthening the financial governance, key processes and controls across our clients business, both locally and internationally. Reporting to the Group Financial Controller, the successful individual will work closely with other members of the senior management team including the Group CFO and Group CEO.
For over 50 years our client has harnessed their experience and capability to helps their customers by transforming operational efficiency, by improving processes and by continuously enhancing their services and systems. They have achieved this by creating a range of solutions to improve the efficiency of their customers’ operations, by always striving to be the essential partner across their full suite of service lines.
Our clients team is among the most experienced and knowledgeable in the energy industry. All sharing a common drive to succeed, an enthusiasm for their work and a passion for providing exceptional service to their clients and communities. These teams are made up of a variety of people from a range of backgrounds and sectors, who have developed their careers in-house over many years - progressing through the ranks and taking their knowledge into different areas of the business. We have been fortunate to be the trusted recruitment partner for several years.
Despite the challenges of changing customer demand following the oil price slump and the Covid-19 restrictions, our client has remained resilient with all off their operating locations remaining open. They have maintained solid financial liquidity throughout and have also secured a refinance of its banking facilities, allowing them to focus on exciting future growth plans.
Job purpose:
Reporting to the Group Financial Controller, the role will be responsible for developing and strengthening the financial governance and key processes and controls, including both UK and international locations. This will include the development of new policies and procedures, training and staff development as well as review of system controls and reporting. The role will also be responsible for establishing an internal audit function and developing appropriate test plans and being responsible for the writing and issuance of internal audit reports.
It is envisaged that this role will have both the ability and desire to progress to a more senior level in future.
Main areas of focus:
- Developing a clear strategy for strengthening the governance and compliance culture within the Group
- Ensuring the accounting policies and procedures are appropriate for the group and are routinely reviewed and refreshed
- Identifying weaknesses in existing policies and procedures and recommending changes to address those weaknesses
- Building an effective communication plan to ensure all finance personnel in the group are aware of the policies and procedures and are evidencing adherence to these. Assist in training and development of the finance teams
- Ensure processes are efficient and fit for purpose. Seek opportunities for efficiency and implement process change
- Develop financial reporting and forecasting within the relevant business through improved use of systems and reporting tools
- Establish an internal audit/controls function which is focused on adding value and raising the bar for compliance. It is envisaged that this is staffed primarily by internal secondments and to also act as a staff development tool
Key responsibilities:
- Responsible for working with the Group CFO and Group FC and other key stakeholders to develop a plan to strengthen the governance processes within the Group, and in particular those related to financial processes and controls
- Develop the Group’s financial policies and procedures to ensure that these cover the principal processes and key risk areas. This will be done in conjunction with the business and in a way that focuses on risk and practical application
- Work with the finance teams to develop understanding of systems and processes and train and develop personnel to ensure that processes are understood and followed
- Strengthen controls as agreed with the CFO/ Group FC
- Establish a new internal audit and controls function to include development of appropriate test plans, scheduling and report writing. It is envisaged that this role will be capable of reporting these findings at audit committee meetings
- Carry out internal investigations and reports into material control break downs together with improvement/mitigation plans
Who are we looking for:
- Qualified accountant, ideally Big 4 trained with a minimum of 10 years of post-qualified experience, at least five of which in industry
- Strong internal controls and audit background
- Proven track record of progression and willingness and ability to progress further
- Strong knowledge of financial record keeping procedures, laws and regulations
- Solutions based with strong planning, prioritising and organising skills, and an excellent attention to detail
- Must have a strong personality willing to drive change and challenge the status quo. Appropriate gravitas to operate at a senior level
- Strong computer skills, particularly across the Microsoft Office suite, but also experience of a range of ERP systems
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate, persuade and influence others
- Effective and explicit communication skills both verbal and in writing
- Ability to work standalone while a positive contributor to the wider team
In addition to other core duties, the Group Senior Finance Manager will establish the Group’s internal audit and controls function. This will be focused on adding value to key stakeholders across the Group. This opportunity, therefore, represents a truly unique opportunity for a high calibre finance professional with an audit and controls background to carve out a critical role in a market leading company.
In return our client can offer first class career development opportunities set within a dynamic, positive and engaging culture.
The salary range for this opportunity is likely to be in the region of £80k - £90k plus benefits.
To note interest, in the strictest of confidence, please apply with your CV. Email andrew@verorecruitment.com if you’d rather set up a call in the first instance.