Job Description

: Financial Controller

Location: Kirkham, near Preston Reports to: CEO Contract: Full-time

Overview

Established in 2010, Smart IT are the UK's only Gold Partner for Odoo ERP software. We transform businesses with innovative ERP solutions delivered by our in-house consultants and developers, helping businesses operate efficiently and achieve competitive advantage.

We currently employ more than 60 people across our Kirkham and Rugby offices.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking a proactive and commercially minded Financial Controller to take ownership of our end-to-end finance function. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being hands-on, improving processes, and acting as a trusted adviser to the leadership team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining robust financial controls, supporting operational decision-making, and driving financial performance across the business.

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Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

Prepare monthly management accounts, P&L, balance sheet, and cash-flow reports

Produce year-end financial statements and manage the audit process

Maintain the accounting records and ensure accuracy and compliance with UK financial reporting standards

Monitor cash flow, working capital, and forecasting

Manage budgeting and quarterly reforecasting processes

Provide timely financial insight and KPI reporting to the Managing Director

Business Intelligence, Analytics & Reporting

Build and maintain dashboards using Power BI, EMAsphere, or similar tools

Develop automated reporting packs and KPI dashboards for leadership

Create data models to analyse revenue streams, recurring income, utilisation, and project profitability

Identify trends, variances, and improvement opportunities using data-driven analysis

Improve visibility of financial performance across the business through better reporting structures

Work with operational teams to enhance data capture and data quality

Operational Finance

Oversee day-to-day accounting including AP, AR, bank reconciliations, and payroll coordination

Manage supplier payments, staff expenses, and credit control

Ensure proper revenue recognition for IT service contracts and recurring income streams

Support job costing, project profitability analysis, and margin reporting

Maintain fixed asset registers and depreciation schedules

Strategic & Commercial Support

Work closely with the leadership team to support business planning and growth

Develop dashboards and financial models to aid decision-making

Provide commercial input into pricing, contract reviews, and client profitability

Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies

Governance & Compliance

Maintain strong internal controls and processes.

Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements, including VAT, payroll taxes, and Corporation Tax (with external advisers where required)

Systems & Process Improvement

Review and streamline finance processes, introducing automation where beneficial

Own the accounting/ERP system and drive continuous improvement

Improve accuracy, reporting turnaround times, and data integrity

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Skills & Experience Required

Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or QBE with strong experience

Proven experience as a Financial Controller or senior management accountant

Background in services, technology, or contract-based businesses beneficial

Strong understanding of UK GAAP and financial controls

Advanced Excel skills and confidence with data modelling

Strong analytical skills with experience using Power BI, EMAsphere, or similar BI platforms

Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a small business

Strong communication skills with the ability to work closely with non-finance stakeholders

High level of integrity, ownership, and commercial awareness

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 50,000.00-55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:

Preston PR4 2TZ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Education:

Bachelor's (required)
Experience:

High level finance: 6 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Preston PR4 2TZ (preferred)
Work Location: In person