Finance Manager

Overview 

The Finance Manager will be responsible for the success of the finance department’s day to day operations but also provide key insights to support the Head of Finance and senior management team in business development for this high-growth luxury leather goods brand. The right candidate will have the opportunity to grow within the role and company and get valuable exposure to different areas of the industry, such as production, wholesale, e-commerce and investor relations.

This role reports into the Head of Finance and is supported by a part-time bookkeeper.

Key Deliverables

• Excellent management of the day-to-day operations of a small but highly ambitious finance department
• Clear and accurate financial reporting across stakeholders, internal as well as external
• Supporting the Head of Finance with strong cash flow management and communication
• Strong cost management and clear communication on forecasts and budgets to the wider team. Constantly work to identify costs savings.  
• Accurate reporting of gross margin, including explanations behind variances each month; work with product development team on improvements

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

• Day-to-day responsibility for the accounting and bookkeeping functions, ensuring books and records are maintained to business and legal requirements
• Weekly bank reconciliations and monthly reconciliations of all accounts Invoicing and reconciling payments from wholesale accounts
• Work closely with Production Coordinator and Logistics Manager reviewing factory invoices and reconciling proforma payments
• Closely monitor AR/AP functions to maintain effective cash-flow
• Maintain fixed asset registers Assist the Head of Finance in various treasury functions including cash flow monitoring, foreign currency dealings and treasury administration duties
• Preparation of monthly management accounts in timely and accurate manner for key stakeholders and Board
• Year-End accounts preparations for accountant, and supporting Head of Finance in the audit process closely and confidently
• Preparation and filing of quarterly VAT Returns
• Payroll processing and HR support
• Collect sales data and present findings to the team in weekly reports
• Oversee movements in the ERP system (Brightpearl) and ensure actions are feeding through correctly to the Accounting software (Xero)
• Setting up the weekly payment schedule and work with all departments to ensure strong communication of upcoming payments or any changes to payment schedules
• Supported by the head of Finance, prepare budgets for each department, and follow up with department heads monthly on actuals
• Oversee office management of the head office in W1

Key Personal Competencies /Skills 

We are a small team so you must be proactive and willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. We are looking for:

• Experience from a similar role, in a digital-first retail company
• ACA, ACCA or CIMA accredited (fully or partially qualified)
• Data driven and analytical with strong ability to use data to present findings to team
• International experience (subsidiaries reporting) including VAT and duty handling is highly meriting
• Excellent presentation and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Highly motivated, hardworking, and flexible; comfortable with change