Controller

PRÆSIDIAD is the home to global brands (Betafence, Guardiar, Hesco and Essia), which specialize in the security, defence and protection of people and assets around the world. Each day, millions of people are at work in the trust that PRÆSIDIAD products are protecting their lives and livelihoods from domestic and global threats, natural disasters and targeted attacks. Our goal is to deliver innovative products that inspire confidence, so that people are able to live and work each day in confidence.

Hesco Armor is a manufacturer of ballistic plate inserts. Their manufactured products are used to protect military and law enforcement personnel through innovate, high-quality, technology-driven hard armor plates. Hesco Armor was established in 2012 and is located in Aberdeen, WA, and is a member of Praesidiad, headquartered in London, UK.

Responsibilities

This role will be part of the management team and will be responsible for running all aspects of finance and HR for Hesco Armor.

• Operation and supervision of day to day accounting function for Hesco Armor including AP, AR, production measurement and product costing, bank account operation, fixed assets, month end close process;   
• Responsible for maintaining complete and accurate financial records for the trading of the legal entities in accordance with local GAAP and IFRS 
• Lead the accurate and timely month end close processes for the US legal entity, including the timely resolution of issues 
• Work closely with the Group CFO to ensure standardised monthly Balance Sheet reconciliations are prepared and reviewed in accordance with policy 
• Support the preparation of the annual reporting process for the Group, managing the delivery of accurate, insightful information to an agreed timetable - prepared in accordance with relevant IFRS and local accounting standards 
• Primary point of contact for internal and external audits, driving simplification and continuous improvement of financial processes 
• Support the adoption of new or revised IFRS accounting standards 
• Production of weekly and monthly management information and group reporting ensuring financial integrity, accuracy and timeliness of submission; 
• Daily cash and working capital management; 
• Weekly cash forecast; 
• Responsibility for accurate operation of the Company’s bi-weekly payroll and ensuring timely and accurate associated tax filings; 
• Statutory and taxation reporting requirements for the company; 
• Preparation of information for Group year-end audit compliance; 
• Business planning and performance analysis including preparation and monitoring of annual budgets and half yearly reforecasts for the US operations, identifying areas for improvement and formulizing and implementing action plans; 
• Support the management team and operational managers in the delivery of business targets and objectives and understanding reported numbers and KPIs; 
• Supporting the Group CFO with the improvement and development of effective and robust internal and operational controls and financial systems within the business;  
• Systems integrity, optimizing the use and accuracy of the current QuickBooks accounting system; 
• Provision of financial expertise in the development of customer and supplier relationships; 
• Day to day supervision of general office management duties to include responsibility for utility contracts, office supplies and services etc

Skills/Knowledge/Qualifications

• Relevant Degree (Accounting, Finance, Business…)
• Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent) 
• Minimum of 7 years' professional experience working in a Finance & Controlling role ideally in manufacturing  environment with strong commercial acumen 
• Strong technical accounting background, including in depth knowledge of IFRS and GAAP
• Expert in excel, proficient in pivot tables & look ups 
• QuickBooks knowledge highly desirable 
• Results oriented, proactive and focused - accepting of change and a champion of it in the work environment 
• Experienced & effective business partner with the ability to form strong relationships with all levels of internal and external stakeholders 
• Persuasive and able to convince others by delivering and maintaining a reasoned and logical argument, stating and holding their position in the face of opposition, with the ability to adapt style of debate depending on the audience 
• Flexibility and adaptability of approach depending on the audience and or situation 
• Strong oral, written and formal presentation skills including ability to present complex information in a clear, professional and open manner 
• Developed problem solving and analytical skills, combining good technical knowledge with good balance and judgement relating to accounting and financial issues
• Proven skills in financial controls and policy development and in driving process simplification 
• Strong, proven people manager with a strong leadership and coaching style who is visible and approachable to the team at all levels. Can build trust, engagement and drive change positively

Travel Requirements:

• 25% travel.