The Company:

Baxters Food Group is a fourth-generation privately owned entrepreneurial business which specialises in the manufacturing of premium quality, primarily branded, food products. The Group's product range includes soup, beetroot, chutney, condiments, preserves and meal options.

Since Baxters began operation in 1868 a lot has changed, but their dedication to making only the best quality products has always been at the core of everything they do. The Baxters brand has grown from a humble village store to a global brand with a turnover of circa £450m.

With the sheer scale of operation, Baxters now has sites based throughout the UK and food manufacturing operations in the USA, Australia, and Poland. The science and technology that underlies their process today may be far removed from the little village shop that started it all in Fochabers, but the ethos remains the same - “Be different, be better”.

Baxters now find their products being sold in major supermarket chains such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and many more, which has contributed to the large-scale growth of the business. Baxters’ Head Quarters is situated just off Charlotte Square in Edinburgh and oversees the UK & European operation based in Fochabers.

The European Business has a turnover of circa £140m across their sites, which also incorporates two specialist manufacturers, Manor Vinegar, one of Europe’s largest vinegar producers, and Orexis Fresh Foods, a leading London-based chilled foods business specialising in ready-to-eat products.

Principal Purpose of the Role:

Compile the Europe cash forecast and provide accompanying reporting and analysis to support strong cash management
Process payments for Europe, ensuring appropriate approval authority, accuracy, timeliness and audit trail
Account for all banking cash inflows and outflows in Oracle in a timely manner
Maintain strong controls around all Europe bank accounts

Main Accountabilities:

Prepare and review the weekly cash forecast position with the European Finance team and Group Treasury Team
Ensure the accurate processing of cash payments and that they are made in accordance with necessary approval authority and to the timings specified
Ensure all Europe and Treasury bank reconciliations are completed on time with any issues resolved promptly
Complete the monthly balance sheet reconciliation process promptly
Co-ordinate the Trade Finance portal transactions ensuring necessary approvals and pre-funding of the accounts
Manage company credit card limits and authorities with the direction of the European CFO
Monitor Cashier mailbox and act as first point of call for routine banking correspondence for Europe bank accounts
Take ownership of processes, implement new procedures to ensure maximum efficiency and update procedure notes where required
Ensure adherence to all financial / internal controls and relevant business policies

The Individual:

Previous Accounts and Cashier experience preferred, but not essential
A high level of accuracy and strong attention to detail
Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines
An understanding of basic accounting principles preferred
Experience using accounting software, in particular Oracle, preferred but not essential
Good numerical reasoning / analytical skills
Good Excel skills
Good communication skills and confident dealing with a variety of internal and external contacts
Upholds the Baxters Behavioural Standards

Baxters Behavioural Standards:

Work Together

Works well with others
Behaves positively and sets an example to others
Is enthusiastic and committed at all times

Be Better

Looks for ways to improve things and solves problems
Develops own skills to get better
Has a consistently high standard of work
Operates competently without supervision

Be Respectful

Always treats people with dignity and respect
Treats everyone in a fair and consistent manner
Manages emotions when dealing with difficult people or situations
Relates well to all types of people and at all levels

Get Results

Sets measures and standards and regularly reviews against these
Holds self accountable for personal objectives & gets support from others
Plans & prioritises and is flexible to change when necessary
Is clear what needs to be done to be successful & achieves the standard

What to Do Next:

To find out more about the role, please contact Baxters’ retained advisor, Nadia Stahl at Rutherford Cross.