Job description

Financial Controller, Droitwich

Voted ukactive’s Outstanding Organisation of the Year in 2022, award winning Parkwood Leisure is one of the leading leisure management companies, operating leisure, golf and culture facilities throughout the UK. Based at our head office in Droitwich, our Finance department is on the hunt for a Financial Controller to join our central support team. Our finance department has a proven track record for staff training, development and support and we offer free parking, flexible/hybrid working options and access to a local leisure facility as part of our generous package.

The primary objectives of the Financial Controller position will be:

To have full accountability and be responsible for accurate and timely financial data, analysis and information, including that required for board meetings.
Working capital control and cash flow forecasting including liaison with Banking, Credit Control and Accounts Payable.
Oversee the Projects and Systems team who maintain and advance IT Systems used within the finance function and liaising with the Business Systems team to ensure successful financial integration with the various operational business systems.
Oversight of Parkwood Projection Management Limited and associated Special Purpose Vehicles (PFI/DBOM companies) finances, including annual budget review, monthly management accounts, year end statutory reporting and financial modelling/reporting to lenders as required.
Oversight of the Payroll Department, ensuring the team has a comprehensive payroll strategy that aligns with the organisation's goals and objectives. Focusing on optimising payroll processes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and enhancing overall efficiency.

The Financial Controller will focus day to day on the following tasks:

Oversight and control of head office costs including liaison with department heads, annual budgeting, monthly management accounts and forecasting.
Control cash & ensure variation to budget and forecast is reconciled.
Management for NNDR liabilities and mandatory/discretionary relief applications across a portfolio of properties.
Management of large capital investment projects, ensuring cashflow is positive at all times.
Ensure that the Finance Department has the requisite skills in terms of manpower and systems and is adequately resourced to comply with all aspects of reporting for both statutory, legal and management information purposes and ensure accurate records are maintained
Appraise the work of team members of the Finance department on an annual basis.
Responsible for financial corporate governance and interface with internal/external audit.
Ensuring that rigorous financial and other operating controls are implemented, documented and enforced throughout the Division, and that they are consistent with Group Requirements and Financial Regulations.
All statutory matters including VAT, CIS, PAYE Settlement Agreements and input to the Group on corporation tax compliance in conjunction with the Head of Reporting.
To ensure Balance Sheet reconciliations are completed monthly and that adequate controls are in place to ensure good accounting practice is followed for data integrity.
Assist in the set up of new sites from a financial procedural aspect, identifying and specific reporting/reconciliation requirements.
Ensure that maximum funds are transferred to Group on Treasury or are placed on high interest earning deposit account.
Foster and control cross-functional working with other departments.
Management of the Parkwood Project Management accountant on a day to day basis, reviewing all aspects of financial reporting requirements.
Provision of acquisition support to business development team and the finance director, including financial and commercial due diligence, coordination of financial advisors, financial modelling and planning
The Finance Controller will be required to make decisions based on sound commercial and financial judgement often without recourse to the Finance Director.

The Financial Controller will support the Head of Reporting, as required, on the following tasks:

The production of monthly management accounts and schedules for the regular Board meetings.
Management of the statutory annual audit process and group strategic risk and internal control reviews.
Prepare year end schedules for the Auditors.
Ensuring that the standard management accounts meet the needs of the business. Work with the Head of Reporting to manage changes to format and content. Review of performance against budget each month.
To have financial responsibility for the end to end P&L and any key programmes to ensure profitability and business performance is predictable and without surprises.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills

A qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA).
Well grounded in financial control.
Highly IT literate with experience of system configuration as well as implementation of finance and other back office systems.
Experienced in managing projects and being part of a multifunctional project team.
Able to demonstrate a track record of developing and improving processes, systems and controls.
Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills, including at senior level
Ability to work independently, with a proactive approach to providing updates and feedback to line manager and a range of stakeholders
Must have a hands on & commercial “can do” attitude.
Will have a conscientious approach.
Will have an understanding of, and an empathy with, operational issues
Will be capable of dealing and interfacing at all levels within the business.
Will have the ambition and drive to make a difference to the business
WIll have high energy levels and enthusiasm for finance
Will be resilient and adaptable to change
Will be willing to facilitate teams that don’t directly report into them.
Will be able to maintain and, be committed to, good employee relations and deliver quality training

What can Parkwood Leisure offer you?

Competitive salary
Incremental annual leave
Free gym membership for you and a nominated person
Employee health cash plan
Employee discount portal - discounts on travel bookings, high street vouchers, gift cards, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities and your day to day spending
Cycle to Work scheme
Pension Scheme
Company sick pay
Career progression
Training and development

Closing date: 12th June 2025

Parkwood Leisure is a well established business that is continuously growing. Successful applicants can look forward to joining a company that can offer career prospects and believes in investing in its people.