The Finance Controller will oversee all financial operations within the retail business, ensuring strong financial governance, accurate reporting, and strategic insights that drive profitability and growth. This role partners closely with senior leadership, logistics & operations and merchandising to optimise financial performance across the organisation.

Client Details

Growing SME within the retail industry.

Description

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes.
• Produce accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Conduct variance analysis, providing clear insights into performance trends.
• Develop financial models to support business decisions, including pricing, promotions, and store performance.
• Monitor site-level P&L performance, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Partner with operations to optimise cost control across all retail locations.
• Analyse sales trends to support demand planning and stock optimisation.
• Manage cash flow forecasting, collaborating with merchandising to review buy plan phasing and ensure sufficient liquidity.
• Implement strategies to reduce the cash conversion cycle and improve working capital efficiency.
• Ensure accurate tracking of CAPEX, including site openings, refurbishments, IT equipment, and other investments.
• Ensure all financial processes comply with accounting standards, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes.
• Coordinate with auditors during annual audits, ensuring timely completion.
• Develop and maintain finance policies and procedures to support best practices.
• Lead and develop a Finance Assistant.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to provide financial guidance and challenge assumptions.
• Present financial results and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Report monthly financial results to Group Finance.
• Provide bi-monthly cash flow updates to Group Finance.

Profile

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, or related field; professional qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA) preferred.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in a finance role, ideally within retail or consumer-facing industries.
• Strong knowledge of retail P&L, inventory accounting, and margin management.
• Advanced Excel or financial modelling skills; experience with ERP and reporting tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Power BI).
• Xero accounts or similar experience useful
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Job Offer

• £60,000 - £65,000
• Flexibility to work either full-time or part-time.
• Opportunity to work with a reputable organisation in the FMCG industry.