Financial Controller Overview
A successful fashion business is seeking to appoint a Financial Controller. This role plays an integral part within the senior management team, overseeing day-to-day financial operations and ensuring the effective management of the organisation’s accounting activities.
This is a hands-on position, suited to someone who enjoys being involved in the detail of finance operations, while also identifying opportunities to improve processes and drive efficiencies. Experience within the fashion, textiles, or a related retail environment is essential.
Key Responsibilities
* Prepare, compile, and analyse financial reports, budgets, accounts, and supporting commentary
* Support long-term business planning through financial analysis and input
* Review cash flow and management accounts, identify trends, and provide recommendations based on financial performance
* Take a hands-on approach to core finance activities including month-end processes, reconciliations, and reporting
* Establish and improve financial processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness within the finance function
* Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve financial performance
* Support the development and optimisation of financial systems, including driving automation and process improvements, and the use of emerging technologies (including AI) to improve efficiency
* Liaise with offshore or outsourced finance teams where applicable, ensuring work is delivered accurately and to deadline
* Maintain and manage the organisation’s financial systems, providing regular updates to the CEO
* Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including auditors, legal advisors, banks, and regulatory bodies
* Deliver accurate financial information within agreed deadlines
* Lead and supervise the finance team, currently comprising a Financial Assistant/Payroll Officer and a part-time Payments Administrator
Skills and Experience
* Demonstrated experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager, or comparable role
* Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices
* Effective leadership and organisational capabilities
* Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
* Solid understanding of business operations and financial strategy
* Experience working with or alongside offshore teams or shared service functions is advantageous
* Demonstrated experience in improving processes, systems, or efficiencies within a finance function
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, financial systems, and databases; experience with SAP is advantageous
Qualifications
* At least 3 years’ experience managing or leading a finance team
* Recognised professional accounting qualification