Northampton Saints RFC is looking to recruit a new Financial Controller.
Reports to: Finance & Operations Director
Location: cinch Stadium at Franklins Gardens
Salary range: £55-60k depending on experience
Apply for the Financial Controller role here
BACKGROUND:
Northampton Saints is one of Europe’s leading professional rugby clubs. The Saints has a proud tradition dating back over 100 years and has consistently competed at the highest level in England’s rugby premiership. The Saints has also been highly successful in its off-field activities.
The home of the Saints is the cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens. On matchdays, around 15,000 supporters attend the Club’s stadium, bars, hospitality boxes, lounges and restaurants. On non-matchdays the Stadium is home to a thriving conference and events business as well as being home to the player training facilities and staff offices.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to take on the leading role in the Club’s finance function.
REMIT:
You will take ownership of the entire day-to-day operation of the finance function, managing a team of three. You will be responsible for the quality and accuracy of all aspects of management reporting and financial controls, and for ensuring that the Club’s financial performance is well communicated and understood.
Key responsibilities:
Financial Performance and Decision Support – In-depth understanding of the key drivers of business financial performance; identification of trends, issues, risks and opportunities. Collaboration with the wider business to drive action to improve financial outcomes.
Team Management – Responsible for a team of three; day-to-day management, oversight and support; objective setting, performance review, training & development
Financial Planning – Co-ordination of the annual budget process, ensuring all departments have input and are bought in to the agreed targets; assist the FD with presentation of the budgets to the CEO and board. Regular re-forecasting and input into the 5 year planning process.
Management Reporting – Production of monthly company and departmental accounts with detailed variance analysis and commentary; ensure results are widely communicated and understood
Month End Close – Ensure all transactions recorded and accounted for correctly; post journals; timely production of monthly consolidated and departmental profit & loss accounts and balance sheet reconciliations with supporting evidence
Risk Management & compliance - Ensure the company has proper financial books and records and that a strong control environment is maintained. Keep abreast of developments in financial reporting requirements; ensure compliance with financial reporting standards, HMRC guidance and other applicable regulations and legislation
Audit and Year End –Lead the annual audit process; attend audit reviews, close-out and audit committee meetings; assist in the completion of statutory accounts, annual report and preparation for the AGM.
Systems administration – Expert user / Administrator for financiel systems including Sage Line 50, Barclays.net, Barclaycard, Government gateways, Online Payment processing gateways, Office for National Statistics, Pension Auto enrolment
HMRC & government returns – Quarterly Digital VAT returns and payments, PAYE tax payments, Gender reporting, P11Ds, Payment practices reporting, Apprenticeship levy, Office of National Statistic returns.
Payroll – Oversee the production of the payroll and associated taxes, pensions and administration for around 150 full time and 130 matchday staff; manage relationship with external payroll bureau.
The ideal candidate:
Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA)
Previous experience in a similar role in an SME environment
People management experience
Experience of working with external auditors
Good working knowledge of VAT and PAYE taxation and typical SME compliance matters
Ability to flex between the detail and the big picture, with a willingness to be hands-on
Excellent organization and time management skills with the ability to deliver to tight deadlines
Ability to set own agenda and determine priorities, coupled with the judgement to know when to raise an issue or seek advice
Proven ability to communicate finance to non-finance staff, deliver insight and drive action
Confident, personable and collaborative style, with the ability to liaise with stakeholders at all levels
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
APPLICATION:
If this Financial Controller position looks right for you, please attach a covering letter, including details of current remuneration and apply by Tuesday March 29.
We run a continuous selection process and the job post will be open until the position is filled.
Northampton Saints is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from a fully diverse range of candidates.
