Frontier Economics is an economics consultancy that tackles the big questions facing governments, businesses and society. We help our clients to analyse and understand their markets and to formulate strategies based on sound economics. The methods and models we use are often complex, but our advice is always succinct, clear and honest.
The Finance Team
The Finance Team at Frontier deals with all accounting and financial tasks relevant to the firm. This includes anything from staff expense claims to preparing summary information and statistics on Frontier's performance for the Board and Exec, preparing the profit and loss accounts, the balance sheet and the accounts to be filed with the Registrar of Companies, to making payments to providers and dealing with payroll for employees, sending invoices to clients and being tasked with credit control. The Finance Team is currently made up of thirteen different roles.
We are seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Interim Financial Controller to join our team on an 18-month fixed-term contract. This will be a part time role, working 3 days per week.
This role is designed to support our finance team while our Financial Controller leads a strategic project to integrate a new accounting system. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the finance function, ensuring robust financial controls, and delivering insightful financial analysis to support business decision-making. The Interim Financial Controller will work closely with the existing Financial Controller to ensure seamless team management and continuity.
The key areas of responsibility are:
Financial Reporting and Compliance
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Supervise the daily operations of the finance function, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting. Provide regular updates to the Financial Controller on team performance to aid in team management and the setting of objectives
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Collaborate closely with the Finance Manager to review and analyse the monthly results (both Management Accounts “MA” and Management Information “MI”), drawing key conclusions together for reporting to the Exec and the rest of the firm
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Lead the annual audit process, serving as the primary point of contact for auditors. Coordinate responses to audit inquiries and effectively delegate tasks to Finance team members to ensure a smooth and efficient audit process
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Review the annual Financial Statements prepared by the Finance Manager, offering support and guidance as needed throughout the process
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Review and support the preparation of tax reporting requirements including VAT returns and Corporation Tax returns
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Member of the company Cash Working Group, attending regular meetings and supporting practices on improving operational performance around invoicing terms in contracts, invoicing processes and cash collection
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Regular review of Debtors ledger and cash balances, with overall responsibility for working capital management
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Oversee and maintain relationships with banking partners, ensuring the timely preparation and submission of quarterly Management Accounts to HSBC, while addressing any banking requirements that may arise
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Review and authorisation of payment of monthly payroll for all offices
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Ensure the completion or appropriate delegation of all surveys requested by the Office for National Statistics, maintaining accuracy and adhering to deadlines
Financial Strategy & Business Insight
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Key role in the client contract process, ensuring standard Frontier terms and conditions are regularly updated and periodically reviewed and reworked where appropriate. Lead role in the internal contract review process, ensuring that the Consulting staff have sufficient training to review and challenge client contracts themselves, plus completing final review function and providing ad hoc support for specific contract/commercial questions.
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Provide support for queries related to client proposals and onboarding, including financial information and tax-related queries.
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Bi-Annual: Collaborate with other members of the Finance Team on the annual Frontier Business Planning Review (“BPR”), including support for budget holders on preparation of their individual budgets. Review the consolidated Original Budget and produce key analysis and update accordingly for the Revised Budget
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Lead data cleansing efforts within the current accounting system, ensuring balance sheet accuracy before system migration
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Oversee bank guarantee applications, renewals, and releases, ensuring compliance with financial policies and contractual terms while liaising with banks and internal stakeholders.
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Work closely with the IT team to ensure the ongoing maintenance of the existing accounting system, prioritising any issues that arise and ensuring its continued effectiveness during the development and integration of the new system
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Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, tax regulations and internal controls
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Champion a culture of continuous improvement by challenging processes and driving efficiency
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Work closely with senior stakeholders, including department heads and the executive team, to provide financial guidance
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Ad hoc: Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to provide support and cover for all members of the Finance team during busy periods or when colleagues are on annual leave.
Key Competencies
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Intelligence and analytical skills
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Attention to detail with up to date technical skills
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Strong, robust personality who can ensure that internal controls are in place and adhered to throughout the business
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Internationally minded and strong track record in talent development
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Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively and succinctly with people at all levels of the organisation
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Highly organised and enjoy working in an interesting culture of change/growth
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Collaborative and open to innovation
Essential Requirements
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Experience in a Financial Controller or similar senior finance role
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Strong technical accounting skills, with knowledge of relevant accounting standards and regulations
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Experience in financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting
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Strong control experience, including tight working capital management
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Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks effectively, and meet deadlines
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Ability to provide meaningful and insightful commercial financial information
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Proactive mindset with a continuous improvement mindset, always seeking opportunities to enhance processes and drive results
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Hands-on and willing to engage in both strategic oversight and operational detail
Frontier is entirely employee-owned. As shareholders, we encourage everyone to share their views, allowing us to collectively influence company decisions. We also distribute as much of our profits as prudently possible through bonuses, complemented by highly competitive salaries.
We prioritise work/life balance by offering flexible working arrangements, including the option to work from home. Employees enjoy 28 days of annual leave, with the opportunity to purchase an additional 10 days.
Our stimulating and thought-provoking projects are complemented by a range of benefits that support you both inside and outside of work. Employees have access to numerous Learning & Development opportunities, including ongoing Career Development Reviews with the support of a dedicated Mentor.
Should you have any questions or would like any additional information please email recruitment@frontier-economics.com.
We are looking forward to receiving your application!
Frontier Economics is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. We are determined that everyone has an equal chance to join us and progress their career with Frontier. We care about creating an inclusive atmosphere and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all its forms. Read more about our incentives here.
