Head of Finance

Do you want to join a renowned and established family business of over 150 years, working sociable hours in a fun and friendly environment with an amazing bunch of people?

We place great value on all our team members and how they contribute to the ongoing success and growth of our Company.

We are currently seeking a Head of Finance to lead our Finance operation at our Hillier company headquarters in Ampfield, Romsey.

The Head of Finance will report into the Finance Director and will be responsible for overseeing all financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and cash flow management in addition to developing and maintaining a highly efficient and effective function that supports the organisation’s future growth.

The salary we are offering for this role is circa £65k plus car/car allowance, depending on experience. In addition, we offer an annual discretionary bonus, enhanced contribution pension scheme, life assurance, private medical insurance, 31 days annual leave and an employee discount of 20%.

Due to the nature of the role a Basic DBS will be required, the cost of which will be covered by the Company.

Please also note that we will only consider applicants who already have the right to work in the UK.

**Key responsibilities**:

- Manage and lead the Finance team, including payroll, management accounts, treasury, AP & AR and credit control, ensuring an engaged team delivering high quality outputs
- Ensure integrity of the accounting records, with full reconciliation of and confidence in the balance sheet
- Oversee and lead on process improvement projects in the department, using affordable technology where applicable - transactional processing automation, new accounting system implementation
- Ensure robust payment processes and controls are in place to deliver on-time accurate payments
- Oversee the monthly management accounts production for internal & external stakeholders, ensuring accuracy of outputs and analysis of aspects of company performance
- Support the FD in developing additional insightful business analysis, highlighting opportunities for business improvement
- Oversee the company's annual budget process, and lead the interface with the company's auditors during the annual audit process
- Act as a business partner with the retail and nursery operations
- Support the FD in optimising the cash position of the business
- Ensure that required external reporting to bodies such as HMRC, Companies House and Hillier's bankers is carried out in an accurate and timely manner

**Required skills and experience**:

- Qualified accountant from a recognised accounting body (ACA / CIMA / ACCA)
- Demonstrable experience of managing and developing a finance function in a fast-growing environment
- Experience of building strong relationships and the ability to influence other across commercial and operation teams (business partnering)
- Experience of project management with a flexible, adaptable and enthusiastic approach
- Extensive technical and systems experience
- Knowledge of current accounting technical updates
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel with strong data analysis skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills and be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate and influence at all levels.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Attention to detail and ability to prioritise tasks effectively
- Analytical mindset, with ability to identify and lead delivery of process improvement opportunities

**Company overview**:
With over 150 years’ experience which goes back six generations, Hillier has an international reputation for its horticultural skills and expertise. With garden centres, trade focussed wholesale trees, nurseries and a cash and carry division. Hillier also holds a world record for having the most consecutive gold medals at Chelsea Flower Show.

Here at Hillier, being the best remains at the heart of everything we do. This is a very exciting time to join our evolving and expanding business: with 22 garden centres, an online shop and 4 nurseries across the south of England. Supporting our centres and nurseries we have a dedicated team of professionals based at our Head Office in the heart of the Hampshire countryside.

We are passionate about what we do and build loyal and long-lasting relationships with customers and communities based on trust and respect. We care about how we do business and are proud of our history and heritage taking our responsibility towards the environment seriously and follow this ethos within the management of our teams.

**Strictly no recruitment agencies please