Group Finance Accountant

Oversee the financial health and operations of the firm across multiple branches. This role will involve managing financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance for the company, as well as overseeing the financial activities of each individual branch and related business entities. The Group Financial Administrator will work closely with the senior leadership team to ensure that financial strategies align with the firm's growth objectives and operational goals, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

Responsible for ensuring compliance with internal office systems, improving financial processes, and maintaining adherence to the company's ethos of excellence, integrity, and sustainability. 

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Oversight:

• Branch Financial Supervision: Monitor the financial operations of all branch offices, ensuring that they operate within budgetary constraints and comply with company policies and procedures.

• Financial Reporting: Prepare accurate and timely financial statements for the entire firm and each branch, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports. Provide regular reports to senior management and ensure that financial results are clearly
communicated.

• Budgeting & Forecasting: Assist in the development of annual budgets and long-term financial forecasts for the group. Work with branch managers to ensure branch-specific budgets align with overall group targets. Monitor budget performance, analysing variances and recommending corrective actions when necessary.

• Cash Flow Management: Oversee cash flow management across all branches, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently to meet operational and project needs. Identify areas to optimize cash flow and manage working capital.

• Financial Analysis & Strategy: Conduct in-depth financial analysis to inform decision-making at the group level. Identify trends, assess risks, and provide actionable recommendations to senior management to improve profitability and operational efficiency.

Financial Control & Compliance:

• Internal Controls: Establish and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard the financial assets of the firm. Ensure that financial transactions are properly authorized, documented, and recorded.

• Compliance & Regulations: Ensure compliance with all local and international financial regulations, tax laws, and industry standards. Manage tax filings and ensure timely payments and compliance with applicable tax regulations.

• Audits & External Relations: Coordinate with external auditors to ensure the firm's financial records are accurate and compliant. Respond to audit inquiries and implement recommended improvements based on audit findings.

• Risk Management: Identify financial risks across the organization and develop strategies to mitigate these risks. Work closely with the senior management team to ensure the firm's financial health and sustainability.

Financial Systems & Process Improvement:

• Systems Integration: Oversee the implementation and optimization of financial systems across all branches to ensure consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in financial reporting. Ensure that systems are updated to accommodate evolving business needs.

• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes, reduce redundancies, and improve reporting timelines. Lead initiatives to improve operational efficiencies within the finance function across the group.

• Software & Technology: Maintain expertise in financial software and tools used by the firm.
Ensure the firm is leveraging the latest technology to enhance financial operations and reporting.

• Training & Development: Ensure that finance staff in each branch are well-trained in financial systems and processes. Lead training initiatives to continuously improve financial literacy and operational effectiveness within the firm.

Strategic Planning & Reporting:

• Strategic Financial Planning: Collaborate with senior management to develop financial strategies that support the firm's business goals and growth plans. Provide financial insights to inform strategic decisions and cost-saving initiatives.

• Forecasting & Scenario Planning: Lead forecasting efforts to anticipate financial needs and potential challenges. Create scenario-based financial models to evaluate the impact of different strategic options and market conditions. 

 Office Systems Compliance & Company Ethos:

• Office Systems Oversight: Ensure that all financial activities, including budgeting, invoicing, accounting, and reporting, are in compliance with the firm's internal office systems and procedures. Ensure that financial records are properly maintained and accessible according to the firm's document management protocols.

• Adherence to Company Ethos: Uphold and promote the company's ethos of excellence, integrity, sustainability, and innovation in all financial activities. Ensure that financial decision-making aligns with the company's values and objectives.

• Sustainability in Financial Practices: Contribute to the firm's sustainability efforts by identifying and promoting financially sustainable practices across the business, such as reducing waste in project expenditures.

Collaboration:

• Collaboration: Work with senior management and office administrators to ensure that financial policies related to employee compensation, benefits, and payroll are followed accurately and efficiently. Ensure that staff and contractors are paid on time and in accordance with contractual
agreements.

Reporting:

• The employee shall be responsible for providing regular updates on project progress and assigned tasks to the respective Branch Office Director/Member. This includes but is not limited to, scheduled progress reports, immediate communication of critical developments, and
proactive engagement to ensure alignment with project objectives, timelines, and quality standards. The employee must maintain open and timely communication, seek guidance when necessary, and ensure that any challenges or delays are promptly escalated for resolution.

Qualifications & Experience
o Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
o Proficiency in financial software and systems.
o Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, propose solutions, and make data-driven decisions.
o Strong understanding of tax laws, financial regulations, and auditing practices.
o Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
o Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.