Assistant Financial Controller

Overview

Fixed term contract for 12 months

We are currently undergoing an exciting transformation with the implementation of a new ERP system. To support this journey, we are looking for a recently qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) to join us as an Assistant Financial Controller on a 12-month fixed-term contract, covering a secondment within our Finance team.

If you’re looking to broaden your finance experience in a business that values integrity, collaboration, and innovation, this role could be for you.

The role is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified finance professional to gain hands-on experience in our finance function during a period of significant systems and process change.With a small team of direct reports, you will work closely with the Financial Controller to ensure the continuity of core financial processes and internal controls, support financial compliance activities, and contribute to finance projects as the business prepares to transition to a new ERP system.

Who we are

apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings.

Our meals are expertly crafted by our dieticians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness.

Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.

Responsibilities

• Perform and review key balance sheet reconciliations and ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data
• Support internal and external audit requirements, acting as a point of contact for auditors
• Maintain and monitor financial controls, highlighting risks and recommending improvements
• Support corporation tax computations and liaise with tax advisors as required
• Manage fixed asset accounting, including asset additions, disposals, and depreciationCollaborate with the ERP project team to ensure finance requirements are embedded in system processes
• Assist with the documentation of new finance procedures and controls relating to the new ERP implementation
• Provide ad-hoc financial analysis and reporting as requested by the Financial Controller or CFO
• Work collaboratively with wider finance and operational teams to ensure continuity during the transition
• Routine support and involvement in various areas of the Finance team to ensure all departmental objectives are met within the required timescales

Qualifications/Personal Qualities

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
• Strong understanding of financial control frameworks and accounting principles
• Excellent attention to detail, with strong analytical and reconciliation skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and working with large data sets
• Effective communicator with the ability to liaise across functions
• Highly organised and self-motivated, able to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment

Desirable:

• Experience in a manufacturing or FMCG business
• Previous exposure to ERP transitions or finance systems projects
• Knowledge of SAP or similar ERP systems
• Familiarity with UK tax and compliance requirements

Company Benefits

• Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
• 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Pension scheme - employer matched contributions up to 4%
• Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary
• Subsidised canteen
• Free parking
• Free turkey or voucher at Christmas
• apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts

Our Values

As a family-owned business, we take great pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals to be proud of.

We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well-being for all our customers.

We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK’s most vulnerable people.

We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040.

Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer.Learn more about apetito’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we're on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.