Assistant Financial Controller

Fixed term contract for 12 months

The Assist Finacial controller will be a pivotal part of the senior finance team, offers a fabulous opportunity for a technically & commercially minded, diligent individual to really make their mark.

Working with the Head of Finance you will lead tax, compliance, statutory reporting, financial year end, audit, banking and tax for apetito Ltd.
Providing strong leadership and direction to a total of five teams comprising Purchase Ledger, Sales Ledger, Credit Control, Treasury and Master Data (18 individuals) this is a key role in the central finance function which also has multiple touch points with the wider business. In conjunction with key stakeholders and Head of Finance, you will be involved in developing and implementing the strategic direction by driving value and establishing best practice.

You will have a track record of delivering at the highest level, with proven development of teams and a breadth of knowledge across financial reporting and tax areas.
With outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, you will have the ability to interact with and develop working relationships internally and cross-functionally.

You will be an inspiring manager with the visible credibility and gravitas to challenge and influence at all levels

apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings.

Our meals are expertly crafted by our dieticians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness.

Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.

• Active participant in the Finance Leadership team supporting the strategic & operational development of the function to meet its core objectives.
• Development of five teams covering financial accounting and financial processing areas, ensuring key goals of financial control and compliance whilst also meeting the requirements of internal and external customers.
• Financial reporting including statutory formats for the UK and into German group, delivering technically accurate and timely information; Treasury function, including cash management, forecasting into German group and risk managing the companies Forex exposures with relevant strategies to comply with group policy.
• Tax compliance, ensuring robust processes and controls are adhered to for PAYE / NI, PSA, VAT and Corporation Tax.
• Oversight of company balance sheet reporting and reconciliations, ensuring assets are protected, including key areas of fixed asset control liaising with the business as appropriate.
• Management of key external relationships, including audit lead, banking / card payment gateway provider, Concur expense, purchase to pay system and other professional firms.
• Credit Control, achieving excellent debt management supporting the development of effective processes and use of systems.
• Accounts Payable; maintaining an accurate and efficient function to support strong supplier relationships, working alongside the purchasing team.
• Master data and pricing; enhancing controls and providing first class support to sales and purchasing teams.
• Development of consistent and systematic processes, removing duplication, increasing consistency and efficiency, utilising technology, eliminating paper and adopting the ‘right first time’ principle. 
• Supporting other parts of the apetito Group including North America.

Essential:

• Qualified accountant with significant post qualification experience including strong knowledge of IFRS
• Prior experience of a financial accounting role in practice or within industry
• Experienced people manager able to mentor & develop staff
• Leadership experience
• Commercially minded and able to develop relationships with key external stakeholders and suppliers
• High attention to detail with ‘big picture’ awareness
• Excellent Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
• High attention to detail with ‘big picture’ awareness
• Compelling communcation and influencing skills
• Drives high standards
• Able to ensure the team meets goals and deadlines
   

Desirable:

• Previous experience of SAP or other enterprise software
• Large SME or similar experience, ideally within FMCG, B2B and B2C

• Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
• 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Pension scheme - employer matched contributions up to 4%
• Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary
• Subsidised canteen
• Free parking
• Free turkey or voucher at Christmas
• apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts

As a family-owned business, we take great pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals to be proud of.

We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well-being for all our customers.

We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK’s most vulnerable people.

We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040.

Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer.
Learn more about apetito’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we're on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.