Financial Controller

Robert Half are proud to be partnering with Windward Energy Group to secure their new Financial Controller.

Windward are committed to supporting a sustainable world to protect future generations from the impacts of climate change. They develop energy infrastructure that will play a part in the transition to net zero. From wind energy to hydrogen, they believe in moving towards tomorrow.

Founded in 2018, they operate several green energy companies across the UK, including Green Gen Cymru and Bute Energy. They are taking on some of the biggest challenges on the journey to net zero: increasing the amount of renewable energy generation; investing in new grid infrastructure to transport green energy to homes and businesses; and developing innovative long duration energy storage solutions.

The Role

Salary: From £80,000 - £93,000 per annum + individual bonus, depending on skills and experience

Reports to: Finance Director

Location: Cardiff

The Financial Controller will develop strong relationships with the GGC Projects team, Board of Directors, and Investment Partner's, playing a key role in business strategy. This position will provide insightful financial analysis and commentary to stakeholders while ensuring compliance with all regulatory obligations. The Financial Controller will lead and mentor a small team and will be responsible for preparing Statutory Accounts, liaising with auditors, driving process improvements, and updating financial policies. They will also collaborate with the Windward Group CFO and shared services finance team on strategic initiatives such as growth plans, M&A, and capital raising.

Main Responsibilities

• Developing strong working relationships with the GGC Projects team, Board of Directors, and Investment Partner
• Providing astute and insightful financial analysis and commentary to stakeholders
• Ensuring compliance with all obligations under the Investment Partnership framework and all Companies Act, VAT, Corporation Tax and Regulatory obligations.
• Managing and coaching a small team of junior members.
• Maintaining a current level of technical awareness and expertise in all areas of financial reporting
• Ensuring that all financial commitments are properly procured and authorised in compliance with agreed authorisation limits
• Preparing the Annual Development Expenditure Budgets and controlling subsequent budget amendments
• Preparing Quarterly Development Expenditure forecasts and Development Loan utilisation requests.
• Preparing Actual -v- Budget development expenditure reports and supporting analysis and commentary for the FD to present at bi-monthly SPC Board Meetings.
• Preparing Quarterly Management Accounts, supported by relevant balance sheet reconciliations
• Reviewing and approving monthly VAT Returns prior to submission to HMRC
• Reviewing and approving supplier payment runs, ensuring suppliers are paid on time
• Preparing individual and consolidated Statutory Accounts and liaising with external auditors through to signing and filing
• Involvement in identifying and implementing process improvements across the business, including the identification and development of software utilisation
• Adopting and updating financial policies and procedures for the company (as appropriate)
• Working with the Windward Group CFO and shared services finance team on key projects such as strategic plans to deliver future growth / M&A / capital raise processes.

What you can expect as a Windward Colleague

• Hybrid work structure, working from the Cardiff office 1 day per week.
• Flexitime with the ability to work core hours and take time back in lieu throughout the week.
• Fridays are allocated as 'no meeting' days to ensure down time at the end of the week.
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Private Medical Insurance from day 1 with cover for immediate family including spouse or partner and children, including direct mental health pathways and support.
• Annual pay review and discretionary bonus up to 25%.
• Employer pension contributions up to 7%.
• Electric car scheme via salary sacrifice.
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Tech scheme - discounts on latest technology including laptops, phones, ipads for personal use
• Life assurance cover and income protection.
• Travel insurance.
• Suite of enhanced policies and provisions to support colleagues through all the moments that matter.
• Regular team socials, activities, sporting events and charity fundraisers.

What Windward are looking for in return

• Fully qualified Accountant (CA/ ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
• Regulatory experience within the UK energy sector is desirable
• Experience as a Finance Controller (or similar) within a corporate or SME environment
• Strong experience of excel modelling of budgets, forecasting and business partnering
• Strong technical accountancy skills

Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: gb/en/privacy-notice.