Finance Controller

Job Title: Finance Controller

Company: Allied Pharmacies

Location: St Helens

Salary: Starting from £65,000

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Head Office)

Reporting To: Finance Director or CFO

About Us:

Allied Pharmacies is a leading pharmacy group with over 170 branches across the UK, generating a turnover in excess of £200 million. Our complex structure includes numerous limited companies, requiring a robust and dynamic finance function to support our continued growth and success.

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Financial Controller to oversee our finance operations, manage a team of finance professionals, and ensure the integrity of financial reporting across the group.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Control & Reporting:

Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

Manage the consolidation of financial results across multiple limited companies and branches.

Ensure accurate and timely reporting of management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Monitor and analyse financial performance, providing insights and recommendations to senior management.

Implement and maintain robust financial controls and procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance.

Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting processes, working closely with department heads and senior management.

Coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors to ensure smooth completion of audits and tax filings.

Team Management:

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of finance professionals, including Management Accountants, Assistant Management Accountants, and Bookkeepers.

Allocate workloads effectively, ensuring deadlines are met and team performance is optimised.

Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing training and development opportunities.

Foster a collaborative and high-performing finance team culture.

Strategic Financial Leadership:

Support the Finance Director/CFO in developing and executing the group's financial strategy.

Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, and efficiency gains within the finance function.

Provide strategic financial input and guidance on key business decisions, including investments, acquisitions, and expansion plans.

Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including HMRC, Companies House, and other relevant bodies.

Systems & Processes:

Oversee the maintenance and development of financial systems, ensuring they are fit for purpose and support the group's growth.

Drive the implementation of new technologies or software to enhance financial reporting and operational efficiency.

Ensure data integrity and accuracy across all financial systems.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).

Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (preferred).

Experience:

Proven experience as a Financial Controller or similar role, ideally within a multi-site or multi-entity business.

Strong background in management accounting, financial reporting, and consolidation.

Experience managing and developing a finance team.

Knowledge of complex group structures and intercompany transactions.

Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage, Xero, QuickBooks) and advanced Excel skills.

Skills & Attributes:

Excellent leadership and people management skills.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

High attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

Proactive, self-motivated, and results-driven.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing organisation.

Career development and progression opportunities.

Supportive and collaborative working environment.

If you are a strategic and hands-on finance professional with a proven track record in managing complex financial operations, we would love to hear from you

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From £65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension

Education:

• Bachelor's (preferred)

Experience:

• Management: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person