Financial Controller
Περιγραφή εργασίας
ORGANISATION OVERVIEW
Suonal Ltd is the parent company of a group of five companies, the largest of which is Newsteam Group Ltd which distributes newspapers and magazines to UK customers. We are based in Paphos, Cyprus, with operations spanning the United Kingdom and Cyprus. We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join our finance team in our Paphos office to oversee all accounting and finance operations across our multi-jurisdictional business.
POSITION OVERVIEW
This is a senior financial position reporting directly to the CFO. The Financial Controller will oversee the entire accounting function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with UK and Cyprus regulatory requirements, and the effective management of the finance team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the strategic financial direction of the organisation, providing actionable insights and robust financial controls to support business growth. This is a full-time, office-based role, located in our Paphos, Cyprus office.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Location: Paphos, Cyprus (office-based)
- Hours: Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. Some flexibility may be required during month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close periods.
- Travel: Occasional travel to UK may be required for meetings with senior management or audit procedures (estimated 2-4 times annually).
- Language Requirements: Fluent English (written and spoken). Greek language proficiency would be advantageous but not essential.
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Reporting and Compliance
- Prepare and present accurate monthly management accounts and financial analysis reports to support the strategic decision- making by senior management
- Coordinate with external auditors throughout the audit process, managing audit queries and ensuring timely provision of required documentation
- Ensure all financial records are maintained in accordance with UK and Cyprus legal requirements, including minimum 6-year retention periods
VAT Compliance and Tax Management
- Manage all UK VAT obligations including quarterly VAT returns submitted to HMRC, ensuring accurate classification of VAT-taxable and VAT-exempt supplies
- Oversee Cyprus VAT compliance including quarterly VAT returns filed to the Cyprus Tax Department via the TAX FOR ALL (TFA) portal
- Manage complex cross-border VAT treatment for transactions between UK and Cyprus entities, including reverse charge mechanisms and intra-community supply rules
- Ensure proper recovery of input VAT on business expenses in both jurisdictions and maintain supporting documentation for VAT audits
- Manage VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) reporting for intra-community supplies and maintain Intrastat declarations where applicable
- Advise on VAT implications of new business ventures, transactions, and supply arrangements
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of HMRC guidance and Cyprus tax authority regulations, ensuring the organisation remains compliant with any regulatory changes
Accounting Operations and Internal Controls
- Oversee day-to-day accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, and bank reconciliations
- Design, implement, and maintain robust internal financial controls to safeguard company assets, prevent fraud, and ensure operational efficiency
- Conduct regular reviews of internal control procedures and recommend improvements to strengthen financial governance
- Lead the month-end and year-end close process, ensuring all transactions are recorded accurately and timely
- Oversee bank account management and cash flow forecasting to ensure adequate liquidity
Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Analysis
- Develop and manage the annual budget, working closely with departmental heads to create realistic financial forecasts
- Prepare rolling cash flow forecasts and working capital analysis to support financial planning
- Conduct variance analysis comparing actual results to budget, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions
- Provide financial analysis and KPI reporting to support strategic business decision-making
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction and improved operational efficiency
- Monitor key financial metrics and present findings to the CFO and senior management
Financial Systems and Technology
- Maintain expertise in QuickBooks accounting software, including configuration, customisation, and troubleshooting
- Develop and maintain advanced Excel spreadsheets for financial reporting, analysis, and forecasting
- Create automated reporting templates and dashboards to streamline financial information delivery to stakeholders
- Ensure data integrity and security across all financial systems
- Support the implementation and optimisation of financial software and systems
- Train and mentor finance team members on use of accounting software and Excel tools
Team Leadership and Supervision
- Manage, mentor, and motivate the finance team, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and professional development
- Provide technical guidance and coaching to finance staff on accounting procedures and best practices
- Conduct performance reviews and identify training needs for team members
- Delegate tasks appropriately and monitor work quality to ensure compliance with internal standards
Foster strong working relationships with colleagues across the organisation
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Education and Professional Qualifications
- Professional accounting qualification from a recognised body such as:
- ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant - Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- Alternatively, significant relevant accounting experience may be considered in place of formal qualifications
Professional Experience
- Minimum 5 years' professional experience in a financial accounting or financial controller role
- Proven experience with cross-border or multi-jurisdictional tax compliance, particularly involving UK and EU jurisdictions
- Strong track record of managing UK VAT compliance and HMRC filings
- Demonstrable experience managing Cyprus VAT compliance or other EU VAT regimes
- Experience managing accounting teams or supervising accounting staff
- Proven experience with month-end and year-end close procedures
- Background in corporate financial management, ideally in a multi-subsidiary group environment
Technical Skills and Software Proficiency
- Expert-level proficiency in QuickBooks accounting software, including configuration, reconciliation, and advanced reporting features (preferred but not essential)
Advanced Excel skills including:
- Complex formulas and functions (VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, SUMIF, nested IF statements)
- Pivot tables and data analysis
- Financial modelling and scenario analysis
- Chart creation and data visualization
- Macro development or VBA is a significant advantage
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Outlook, Teams)
Knowledge and Expertise
- Comprehensive understanding of UK accounting standards, including FRS 102, FRS 105, and relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2006
- In-depth knowledge of UK HMRC VAT regulations** including reverse charge mechanisms, cross-border supply rules, and intra-community transactions
- Strong understanding of Cyprus VAT legislation including quarterly filing obligations, VAT rate structures, and cross-border transaction rules
- Understanding of **international transfer pricing principles** for multi-jurisdictional entities (advantageous)
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Professionally qualified and accredited accountant with recognised standing
- Highly organised with meticulous attention to detail
- Proactive and self-motivated with strong work ethic
- Integrity and ethical approach to financial management
- Collaborative and supportive team player
- Commitment to continuous professional development and staying informed of regulatory changes
- Ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy
- Flexible and adaptable to changing business requirements
- Discreet and professional in handling sensitive financial information
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Curriculum Vitae detailing relevant experience and qualifications
- Cover letter outlining motivation for the role and relevant experience
- Contact details for professional references
- Evidence of professional accounting qualifications (or details of qualifications held)
If you are interested, please email the required documents to Catherine@newsteamgroup.co.uk
Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted.
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Κατηγορίες εργασίας
Σχετικά με την εταιρεία
Suonal Ltd
Suonal is a Cyprus-based business solutions provider, specializing in home delivery fulfillment, call center operations, and customer support services. We are committed to delivering newspapers, magazines, and essential products directly to customers' doorsteps with reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction at the core of our operations.
As the parent company of a diverse portfolio, Suonal leads innovative solutions through:
- NewsTeam Group - Nationwide delivery of newspapers and essential products across the UK.
- The Mighty Kitchen - Culinary solutions focusing on quality and convenience.
- Suffolk News Ltd - Delivering trusted local news and updates.
- Delivered.Shop - A modern e-commerce platform for seamless online shopping.
- PPR Paper Round Software - Advanced software solutions for route optimization and delivery management.
HSE Advisor - Promoting Healthy, Safety, and Environmental services to enhance workplace standards.
As a proud member of the Great Britain Cyprus Business Association, Suonal fosters cross-border partnerships and embraces innovative approaches to improve fulfillment, technology, and customer experiences. At Suonal, we believe in blending technology with human-centric services, creating meaningful connections and sustainable solutions for our clients and end-users. With Suonal, delivery is more than just a service—it's a partnership built on trust and innovation.