Interim Group Finance Manager (6 Months Contract)

We are seeking a proactive interim Group Finance Manager to join our Finance team, reporting to and working closely with the Group Financial Controller. We are a £10m turnover, growing dynamic business operating in 6 geographical regions. This is a pivotal role in producing group monthly management accounts and reports, short-term group cash flow forecasts, and budgets and in-year forecasts  within a complex and fast changing multi-national framework. This broad role will also involve implementing change and process improvement projects.

About You

• You are available to complete a 6-month interim contract (to start ASAP)
• You have at least 5 years’ experience in Management Accounting, with exposure to foreign currency reporting and working within multi-currency international environments.
• Experience in budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Ability to work independently and are used to problem solving and making judgements.
• Demonstrate experience in process improvement initiatives, particularly in month end accounting, reporting and controls.
• You are an effective communicator at all levels of the business and have experience of working with remote team members across global regions.
• You have advanced Excel skills and can turn data into financial models and reports.
• You will be either a qualified accountant, a finalist, or qualified by experience.

Other Great Skills You May Have

• Experience of MS Dynamics Business Central and Dynamics CRM.
• Knowledge of Power Query and Power BI is desirable.

A Day in the life

As a key player in the finance team you will be responsible for overseeing overseas subsidiary reporting and play a pivotal role in the delivery of monthly Management Accounts for the Group. Your expertise in technical accounting, commitment to timely reporting, and strong communication skills will be essential in providing clear performance commentary to non-accounting Region Directors and other stakeholders. You will collaborate closely with colleagues across different regions, ensuring alignment and delivering insightful analysis to support business decision-making.

The key responsibilities of the role will include: 

Month end reporting

Production of monthly management accounts:

• Working with regional bookkeepers to produce accurate, complete and timely monthly management accounts that align with Group Accounting Policies.
• Calculate monthly Recognised Revenue and WIP accruals.
• Ensuring accurate Inter-company accounting and reconciliations for regional production recharges, inter-company transaction accruals and invoicing.
• Supporting the Group Financial Controller in consolidation of Group Accounts.
• Budget Variance Analysis:  Investigating variances and providing insightful analysis for review by budget holders for inclusion in the Board reporting pack.

Comparative to prior year: Provide an understanding of the performance differences between actual and prior year.

Management Reporting: Produce analytical reporting to ensure regional financial performance is understood and provide actionable insights. 

Cashflow forecasting: Working with the regional offices, co-ordinate the production of monthly short-term cashflow forecasts.  Prepare analysis of movements and work with Regional Directors to ensure reasons for these are understood.

Process Improvements

You will implement timetable changes and improvements to ensure the on-time delivery of monthly reporting activities within 10 working days. You will actively participate in the delivery of other Finance process improvement initiatives and other improvements across the business.

Budgeting

You will support the completion of the regional annual budget and reforecasting processes. 

Why SBD Automotive 

SBD Automotive has been established for over 25 years. We are a global automotive research and consulting organization employing talented individuals in six regions with a worldwide customer base. We support our customers to develop smart, safe and sustainable mobility, while delivering confidence through clarity, insight and vision to support better and informed decisions on the fast-changing mobility market.  

• Join us in an entrepreneurial environment and help to shape the future relationship between people and cars.
• Work across our global teams; SBD has teams in six locations: China, Germany, India, Japan, UK, and USA.
• Flexible working including hybrid working.
• Our values mean that we care about our people, our clients and our personal growth and development.
• Employee and client satisfaction is at the forefront of everything we do.