Job Description
Group Financial Controller
Location: Watford
Reporting To: Chief Financial Officer
Salary: EXCELLENT+ benefits
Qualification: Fully qualified ACCA / CIMA / CA
Experience: Minimum 8 years UK experience in a senior finance role.
Overview
Our client, a global fashion retailer with strong heritage and international reach, is looking for an experienced and commercially sharp Group Financial Controller. This is a high-impact leadership role within a well-established, design-led business known for its strong international presence.
The role spans UK and European markets with multi-currency financial responsibilities. You will lead a skilled team and play a pivotal role in ensuring financial rigour, cross-border compliance, and forward-looking commercial insight
Key Responsibilities
Group Financial Accounting
* Manage the full financial accounting cycle.
* Ensure timely, accurate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
* Lead statutory reporting and liaison with external auditors.
* Oversee the preparation and review of trial balances, journal entries, and reconciliations.
* Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards (UK GAAP/IFRS).
Group Management Reporting & Business Partnering
* Produce group-level management accounts and board packs with analysis and insights.
* Partner with business unit heads to monitor KPIs, margins, and cost controls.
* Conduct variance analysis and support functional leaders in driving financial accountability.
* Support the CFO in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning activities.
* Prepare royalty reporting and commercial analysis for brand partners.
Sales Ledger, Stock & Working Capital
* Monitor working capital performance across entities, including stock ageing and receivables.
* Oversee credit control function, ensure timely collection of debts and credit risk management.
* Supervise and review stock costing reports and inventory valuations.
* Lead reconciliation processes for Invoice Finance and Trade Finance with banking partners.
Payroll & Compliance
* Oversee payroll preparation, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and coordination with HR.
* Reconcile payroll to general ledger and manage related reporting requirements.
* Ensure timely fulfilment of all statutory financial and tax filings.
* Liaise with external advisors on VAT, corporation tax, and regulatory compliance.
Strategic Support to CFO
* Act as a key business partner to the CFO in setting financial strategy and operational priorities.
* Support investor reporting, board-level communications, and presentations.
* Lead or contribute to finance transformation initiatives including systems and process upgrades.
* Provide risk assessment and scenario modelling to support high-level decision-making.
* Represent finance in strategic projects, M&A activity, and cross-functional initiatives.
What We’re Looking For
* Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Group FC in a multi-entity, fast-moving business.
* Strong technical accounting knowledge and hands-on experience with consolidations.
* Experience working with senior stakeholders and external auditors.
* Able to drive process improvement and systems optimisation.
* Strong leadership and team development skills.
* Experience in fashion, retail, or FMCG is highly desirable.
* Excellent Excel skills and proficiency in financial systems (e.g. Sage, SAP, or similar).