Purpose of Role
Reporting to the Financial Controller, you will have 3 main areas of responsibility:
- To provide professional, officer-level support to the Financial Controller across all aspects of the Company’s finance function, contributing to the delivery of accurate and timely reports and financial information.
- To analyse the financial performance of transport operations, working closely with the management team and depot managers to ensure accurate cost calculations, identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities, and provide meaningful financial insight to support business decisions.
- To lead and contribute to improvement initiatives across the finance and administrative functions, reviewing existing systems, processes and ways of working and helping to develop more efficient, consistent and effective approaches.
Preparation of financial reports
4. Support/take responsibility for the preparation of accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including journals, accruals, prepayments and supporting schedules.
5. Prepare financial reports and analysis, investigating variances and highlighting relevant trends, risks and opportunities.
6. Support the Financial Controller with preparation and submission of VAT returns, ensuring transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with applicable requirements.
7. Support the Financial Controller with regular balance sheet, bank and control account reconciliations, promptly investigating and resolving any discrepancies.
8. Process and reconcile transactions and payments relating to HMRC, including VAT, PAYE, National Insurance and other statutory liabilities.
9. Maintain accurate accounting records and ensure appropriate supporting documentation and audit trails are in place.
10. Assist with year-end accounts, external audit requirements and the preparation of information requested by accountants and auditors.
11. Review financial reporting and reconciliation processes, identifying opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency and financial controls.
Cost Analysis and Reporting
12. Develop and maintain a robust cost accounting system to track and analyse all cost elements associated with haulage and storage of goods, such as vehicle and maintenance costs, depot costs, fuel, wages, and other related expenses.
13. Prepare periodic financial reports, including cost summaries, variance analysis and key performance indicators (KPIs) (working with the central/depot admin teams as required).
14. Identify cost drivers and recommend strategies for cost optimisation and efficiency improvements.
General
15. To provide finance cover for the Financial Controller in their absence.
16. Update records and spreadsheets required for the Finance function and our various general haulage, milk and servicing operations and customers.
17. Support the Payroll Supervisor with payroll processing as and when required for absence cover etc.
18. General administrative duties as required.
19. Support other managers and areas of the business as and when required.
20. Ensure the confidentiality and security of all financial and payroll-related data.
21. Escalate any issues or concerns as required to management.
22. Lead on or support other projects or undertake any other duties as required by management.
Required experience, knowledge & skills etc
- Qualified or part-qualified in a relevant finance or accounting qualification and able to demonstrate practical accounting experience.
- Proficiency in accounting software and advanced MS Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective communication skills to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
- A flexible and helpful approach
- Attention to detail and getting things right first time.
- Confidentiality.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
