An opportunity for a bright, hands on, internationally focused accountant to make a real contribution in the management team of a pioneering renewable energy consultancy group. The company is a recognised leader in a fast growing high profile market and has recently secured additional funding for expansion. The challenge is to run the day to day accounting function, to improve financial controls and reporting systems in a complex international structure and to provide input on the growth initiatives including potential acquisitions.

The Company

Our client is a leading firm of international consultants specialising in renewable energy and climate change.  The company was established in 1981 by the current management team and has worked in more than 100 countries worldwide.  Clients include international agencies (e.g. World Bank and United Nations), UK and other national governments and a variety of public and private clients including key companies in the FTSE 100. The company employs 30 people in the UK and has offices and subsidiaries in China, India, Africa and the Pacific. Following recent inward investment the company is committed to expanding its activities both organically and through potential acquisitions and needs to appoint a Group Financial Controller to focus on improving financial planning and reporting through a period of significant change and growth.  

The Role

Reporting to the Managing Director, the role carries overall responsibility for the financial management of the company including day-to-day accounting and payroll, accurate and timely reporting on overall business performance and statutory reporting as required. There is support from a Finance Assistant, but at this stage, in what is still a relatively small business, the nature of this role is very "hands on". The systems used are Sage Line 50, Excel and a key objective will be the improvement of budgetting and reporting systems, better analysis of project profitability and evaluation of new business initiatives. There is a need to work closely with the new investors, other members of the management team and a range of external advisers in the UK and overseas including auditors, tax advisors, bankers, clients, partners and suppliers. The Group has a complex structure of international businesses including wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, regional offices and minority investment interests and the job holder will be expected to recommend on the most appropriate business structures going forward. Whilst cash is not a key constraint at this time, there is a need to put systems in place to effectively manage treasury related activities. Other responsibilities will include expense control, premises and insurances.  The post is based in Basingstoke head office.

The Person

The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant with experience in all aspects of accounting in an internationally focused business. Previous experience in a professional services or time-based project costing environment along with familiarity with International Accounting Standards, tax regimes and business structures will be a real advantage. As the need to improve systems throughout the business is vital, we are looking for strong IT literacy coupled with evidence of the development of new controls and reporting systems. Previous experience of Sage and advanced knowledge of Excel would be ideal. Applicants should have worked in organisations experiencing rapid growth and change and have some experience of evaluation and integration of acquisitions. On a personal level, we are looking for a well organised person with strong communication skills, an eye for detail and the ability to meet deadlines.  The combination of tactical and strategic responsibilities will appeal to a commercially astute accountant looking for a broad based role at the heart of a dynamic business.