Rutherford Cross is excited to be retained by BioFilm Ltd to appoint a Financial Controller, reporting directly to the Chief Executive.

The Business

BioFilm Limited, based in Blantyre near Glasgow, is a world-leading provider of Thin Dissolving Films (TDFs). BioFilm is a business-to-business company, working closely with its clients to develop and manufacture a range of products for the Consumer Healthcare and OTC markets, principally for the dental, nutritional, or medicinal markets.

Previously a subsidiary of Devro plc, the company is privately owned and backed by Tate & Lyle Ventures, Scottish Enterprise and Catapult Ventures. Their investment and support has allowed BioFilm to develop a strong reputation globally as a leading developer and supplier of TDF solutions to a range of customers.

Over the last two years, under the direction of new CEO, Ian Stevens, BioFilm has refined its product strategy. Today it is focused on strengthening its position in the rapidly growing teeth whitening and oral healthcare sector in its existing markets of Europe and North America, as well exploring new opportunities in Asia whilst also establishing an e-commerce platform which carries all its own-brand and formulation products.

Background to the Role

This is an exciting time to join the business as it has just completed a strategic review and will shortly be rebranding with a new name to reflect the focus on producing and marketing products for the dental market. The company will seek new investment in 2021 to support growth plans. The role of Finance Controller has become available, reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the leadership team.

The post holder will lead the finance function, taking responsibility for the day to day financial accounting, reporting and control activities of both the trading and holding companies. This individual will be expected to build excellent relationships across the business. They must gain a strong understanding of the operation and its culture and develop a deep knowledge of its customers and supply chain, working closely with operations and production colleagues.

The finance team plays a key role in how the business operates and therefore a willingness to develop an understanding of each area of the business is required.

Candidate Profile

The business is looking to appoint a proactive and experienced accountant to support the CEO, building and developing robust financial processes and managing day to day finance matters. The post-holder must be adaptable to change and be willing to engage with the business and work closely with the leadership team to challenge and drive business performance and strategic plans.

The Financial Controller position requires an individual with a hands-on approach. This individual will need to take ownership of management accounts production, processing confidential salaries and pension information, whilst having the knowledge and gravitas to contribute towards business development plans. The appointed candidate will thrive on variety and will possess a team-oriented attitude, comfortable being involved in whatever needs done to help the business deliver its short and long-term goals.

Below is a brief breakdown of key candidate requirements for the role:

• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role in a manufacturing business
• A sound understanding of inventory, margins and work-in-progress
• The ability to demonstrate strong leadership and to coach and develop a team
• Prior working knowledge of SAGE accounting systems
• Comfortable supporting or partnering director level stakeholders
• Ensure the delivery of routine tasks required of the finance function at all times
• A professional accountancy qualification

Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity to join an established business, with ambitious plans for the future, by playing a key role in its journey. The Financial Controller will lead the Finance function, reporting to the CEO. The post-holder will be responsible for the day to day financial accounting, reporting and management of working capital. The appointed individual will be expected to build excellent relationships across the business, learn and understand the operation and its culture and develop a deep knowledge of its customers and supply chain, working closely with operations and production colleagues

The Financial Controller will work with the leadership team to challenge and drive business performance and strategic plans. This will involve producing and updating budgets, forecasts and five-year plans

The Financial Controller will have line management responsibility for an Accounts Assistant and will be the main day to day point of contact for all finance queries.

The range of duties are varied from overseeing transactional processing to supporting business decision-making.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring all accounting records and supporting documentation for all financial transactions are maintained in a systematic order and secure condition
• Maintaining accurate and effective financial controls on all business transactions utilising company systems (currently SAGE)
• Reviewing all monthly balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring they are accurate and supportable
• Dealing with all aspects of the year-end procedures and processes and supporting preparation of year end statutory accounts
• Liaising with external advisors (accountants, insurers, lawyers etc.)
• Supporting the production of variance analysis and of commentary on monthly results
• Supporting preparation of annual budgets and quarterly reforecasts
• Overseeing the development and management of the finance team
• Overseeing the preparation of salary and wage calculations for 30+ employees, directly processing senior and Director salaries and benefits, HMRC taxes, pension scheme contributions
• Managing all ‘company’ contracts such as mobile phone, gas, electricity etc.
• Assisting in developing accuracy of margins and stock control
• Assisting with production of timely and accurate monthly management accounts with management pack, variance analysis, commentary and KPIs

Remuneration

Salary: Circa £45,000 - £50,000

Holidays: 26 days plus 9 stats

Life Assurance: 3 * salary

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Pension: Employee contribution 5%

Employer contribution 3%

The Recruitment Process

First round interviews are with our retained advisors at Rutherford Cross.

Second round stages will involve meeting CFO.

Third round stages will involve meeting CEO

Applications should be sent to [email protected]