Accounts Controller

Company Overview

Yonex is a globally recognised leader in sports equipment and apparel, specialising in badminton, tennis and golf. With a legacy of innovation and performance, Yonex UK supports elite athletes, grassroots sport and retail partners across the UK and Ireland. We are seeking a highly organised, detail-oriented and commercially aware Accounts Controller to join our finance team and support the smooth financial running of our UK operation.

Role Overview

The Accounts Controller will work as part of a small finance team alongside another Accounts Controller, with technical support from an external qualified accountant. Reporting to the Managing Director, the role will take responsibility for allocated day-to-day finance activities across accounts receivable, accounts payable, banking and ledger control, while working closely with the existing Accounts Controller to provide effective cross-cover across the wider finance function. The precise allocation of responsibilities may vary according to business needs. The role requires excellent attention to detail, sound commercial awareness, clear communication and the ability to manage multiple priorities reliably.

Key Responsibilities

• ·       Take ownership of allocated accounts receivable and accounts payable activities, ensuring the timely collection of customer balances and payment of suppliers.
• ·       Post and allocate customer receipts accurately, including settlement discounts where applicable, in accordance with remittance advice.
• ·       Calculate and process monthly customer direct debit collections.
• ·       Post bank transactions, complete regular bank reconciliations and monitor cash-flow activity.
• ·       Review sales and purchase ledger accounts regularly, investigate outstanding items and ensure they are cleared promptly.
• ·       Monitor customer accounts, complete credit checks and chase overdue debts in accordance with company policy.

·       Support month-end, year-end and audit processes by preparing reconciliations, schedules and supporting information for review by the external accountant and management.

·       Maintain accurate financial records and follow agreed financial procedures and controls.

·       Work closely with the other Accounts Controller, maintaining clear task ownership and handovers and providing effective cover during holidays and other periods of absence.

·       Escalate overdue debts, cash-flow concerns, unreconciled balances and control issues promptly to the Managing Director and external accountant, as appropriate.

·       Liaise with internal departments and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, banks and auditors, as required.

·       Identify practical opportunities to improve the efficiency, accuracy and consistency of finance processes and reporting.

Required Skills and Competencies:

Essential:

• ·       Proven experience in an accounts or finance role, ideally within a commercial environment.
• ·       Good working knowledge of accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank reconciliations and ledger control.
• ·       A sound understanding of accounting principles, financial procedures and controls.
• ·       Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience using accounting or ERP software.
• ·       A high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• ·       Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• ·       Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with finance colleagues and non-finance teams.
• ·       Self-motivated, reliable and comfortable taking hands-on responsibility for allocated tasks.
• ·       Willing to raise issues promptly and challenge incomplete or inaccurate information constructively.

Desirable

• ·       AAT qualification, bookkeeping qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• ·       Experience in a retail, sports or consumer goods business.
• ·       Knowledge of inventory accounting or international payment processes.
• ·       Experience using ERP systems and financial reporting tools.