Head of Finance

Head of Finance

Cherwell Laboratories has been based in Bicester, UK since 1971. We manufacture and supply the Redipor® range of prepared microbiological media to the pharmaceutical and associated industries. We also supply and service specialist environmental air monitoring equipment and decontamination equipment, primarily into the same markets. Cherwell Laboratories operates an ISO9001 Quality Management system and is regularly audited by its customers. The company has managed continued growth over the last 10 years and is planning for further expansion. Cherwell Laboratories is part of the AnalytiChem Group, a global family of companies providing quality control products and services. These include both off the shelf and customisable chemicals, high-quality standards, certified reference materials, laboratory and analytical equipment. We are looking to recruit talented and enthusiastic individuals who can contribute to and share in our success.

Company Values

• Reliable – delivering what the customer needs whilst doing what we said we would in a timely manner
• Adaptable – developing our products, packaging, and processes to meet our customer needs alongside supporting development for our colleagues
• Partnership – supportive, helpful, and committed to our customers and colleagues

Cherwell, as part of the AnalytiChem Group, has clear growth plans; this full time role is a key member of the senior leadership team, leading & developing the finance function and overseeing IT. The role is responsible for overall financial accounting, reporting and control activities, and reporting to Group. It ensures tasks are carried out efficiently, effectively and in line with best practice. As an active member of the senior leadership team the role will also focus on contributing to the strategies and objectives for meeting the Company’s plans over the next 5 years.

• Accurate and timely financial analysis of company performance
• Maintaining the company’s excellent regulatory compliance record
• A shared and detailed understanding of factors affecting company financial performance
• Detailed understanding of company performance within a group environment
• Fit for purpose, secure and robust IT systems
• The Finance Team is well led and managed, ensuring high levels of engagement, accountability and productivity

Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Management

To act as a full contributor to the Group:

• as the primary source of short, medium and long term financial information providing reporting and management insight to Group
• to work in conjunction with Group, and other group businesses, with regards to planning and budgeting

As a full member of the Company leadership team:

• proactively supporting, as peers, the Managing Director and senior leadership team, in the delivery of Company goals
• proactively providing regular and up to date financial information to support the day-to-day planning and running of the business
• contribute fully to the development of company strategy across all areas of the business challenging assumptions and decision making, as appropriate
• liaise closely with both commercial and operational peers to help deliver growth across the business

Financial Management

To have primary responsibility & accountability for:

• overseeing the production of monthly and quarterly management packs for both local and Group needs
• producing budgets and forecasts working in close collaboration with the Managing Director, Company Leadership Team and Group
• ensuring that company financial systems are robust, compliant and support current activities and future growth
• providing an overview of commercial finance information as well as more detailed financial modelling
• developing the financial understanding of the commercial teams within the business
• developing a detailed understanding of product standard costing, including production burden overseeing our audit and compliance processes to ensure a high level of financial rigor
• Ensuring that regulatory requirements of all statutory bodies are met with accurate and timely submissions
• overseeing payroll, ensuring high accuracy and minimal error
• overseeing management of company cash flow within the KPIs and Group objectives agreed

IT Management

To have primary responsibility for:

• overseeing Cherwell’s on-site IT systems and managing relationships with external providers, including incumbent managed service provider
• overseeing investment in new IT solutions and IT projects in collaboration with other senior leaders
• liaising with Group on IT matters, including integrations and system development

People Management

To manage the finance team to deliver:

• actions and structure, ensuring the team deliver all requirements of the Finance Department, effectively and efficiently
• departmental objectives, targets and KPI setting
• monitored and managed performance, taking actions to rectify any shortfalls and providing feedback to individuals
• continual improvement and development within the team
• identifying and fulfilling the training and development needs of the team

Other Responsibilities

• To execute, both directly and through the finance team:
• effective management of external relationships, including bank, auditors, insurance broker, etc.
• ensuring effective import/export processes and relevant compliance

This list is indicative of the responsibilities associated with this position; however, other tasks/responsibilities may be added as required.

Experience

• Finance Management/control level in direct management and control of a minimum £5m turnover operation
• Track record within an SME manufacturing business with an understanding of standard costs
• Indirect management and supervision of a finance team
• Budget preparation, setting and monitoring and financial forecasting Preparing and presenting financial and management accounts, reports and data identifying actionable insights
• An understanding of and experience with business wide IT systems
• Some experience operating within a group environment would be advantageous
• A proven track record of problem-solving for improving processes and increasing efficiency

Knowledge/Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant to ACCA or CIMA level
• Good working knowledge of accounting systems
• Knowledge of management systems for all accounting functions including nominal, purchase & sales ledgers, payroll, cash and banking

Skills/Abilities

• Exceptional communication skills at all levels
• Excellent IT skills
• Ability to handle high levels of pressure and critical decision-making
• High integrity and openness combined with a commitment to strong governance
• Energetic, motivated with a passion for excellence and innovation in pursuit of business growth and success
• Dynamic strategic thinker with engaging leadership style

Person Profile

• High emotional intelligence and strong people leadership skills
• Demonstrable evidence of working positively and successfully with multiple stakeholders
• Matches our Values - Reliable, Adaptable, Partnership

Culture & Values

• Professional and cheerful manner, someone who seeks high standards Enthusiastic “can do” attitude, self-motivated and organised
• Integrity and honesty

Salary & Benefits

Holiday entitlement is pro rata and based on 25 days per calendar year, plus bank holidays. 3 days of the holiday entitlement are reserved to be used between Christmas and New Year

Auto-enrolment pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme available to all colleagues and their immediate families