Financial Controller

The Organisation:

Millions of fans watch or attend British horseracing’s 10,000 races per year at 59 racecourses, making it the second highest spectator sport in GB. Funding from the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) supports almost every aspect of the sport – such as regulation and integrity, marketing and promotion, veterinary science, equine welfare, people development, community engagement and prize money for participants. HBLB is an Arm’s Length Body of Government, responsible to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport but they do not receive Exchequer (taxpayer) funding. Instead, they are responsible for the collection and distribution of a levy from the business of betting operators. 

HBLB spends its money in pursuit of three objectives:

•             The improvement of breeds of horses

•             The advancement or encouragement of veterinary science or veterinary education

•             The improvement of horse racing

The Role:

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will provide leadership and day to day management to the finance team. You will have 4 key reports managing financial control and financial management. 

You will have responsibility for the following areas:

•             Statutory accounts & tax, leading the relationship with the NAO  

•             Management accounts, budgeting and forecasts

•             Levy collection and ensuring compliance

•             Cash management

•             Payroll, pension and benefits; ensuring that the contracts are managed effectively  

•             Internal Audit; acting as the account manager

Business planning, performance and risk management, contributing to long term strategic planning are all areas where you will have the opportunity to work on with the CFO.

The Person:

We would like to hear from candidates who can demonstrate the following:

•             a fully qualified accountant who has ideally worked in the commercial and public sectors

•             proven experience of managing a finance team supporting both qualified and part-qualified team members  

•             an ability to deputise for the Chief Financial Officer and to ensure that the team provides a highly effective and efficient service to the organisation on a timely basis   

What’s in it for you:

The employee package includes generous annual leave (starting at 25 days per annum), good pension benefits (15% employer contribution, minimum 3% employee contribution), and learning and development support. Flexible working between home and office (a modern office environment in Canary Wharf) is offered – the policy is for at least six days per month in the office. This role will offer you a real breadth of responsibility and experience. You will also have the opportunity to work with a strong and supportive team and an organisation with clear objectives.  

How to apply:

The closing date for applications is the 4th April and interviews will be held w/c 8th April. Applications will be considered as they come through. Please contact Peter O’Sullivan at Hays Senior Finance for an informal discussion about the role.