Financial Controller

An exciting opportunity for an astute, energetic finance professional to join a growing luxury retail business.  Managing a team and responsible for the day-to-day operations of the finance function, including the provision of full reporting requirements and all areas of financial control. This person will play an integral part within the business and will be working closely with the senior management team.  The successful candidate will be in a prime position to develop within the business as it continues to expand.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• To ensure the financial records of the company are complete and accurately maintained
• To provide high quality, timely and insightful financial information and interpretation of results
• To develop accounting systems and procedures to support a growing business
• To act as independent challenger of financial performance and spend
• To act as a business partner to all department heads
• To lead and develop the Finance team, including sales and purchase ledger and revenue accountant
• Responsible for the delivery of the group consolidated monthly management accounts
• Manage all day to day finance operations including AP, AR, GL, stock and revenue recognition
• Managing the Finance Team, giving them clear direction and leadership, agreeing clear division of responsibilities
• General ledger maintenance, journal preparation and account reconciliation for all Balance Sheet accounts
• Responsibility for planning and maintaining the cashflow requirements of the business, reviewing creditors and setting weekly budgets
• Constantly challenge results and provide insight to enable the business to take quickly high light risks and take advantage of any opportunities and to optimise decision making
• Responsible for cost control within the business, develop and manage a monthly process to ensure costs are delivered in line with budget and any risks and opportunities are highlighted quickly and effectively
• Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen financial control. Review on a regular basis to deliver improved efficiencies and support to business needs
• Support in the delivery of the annual budgeting and reforecasting process, including the provision of analysis and insight
• Liaising directly with the bank on banking matters
• Maintenance and preparation of VAT returns, controlling Duty Deferment account and being the primary point of contact for Customs & Excise, including handling audits
• Management of year-end audit process through to deliver of annual accounts
• Work on ad hoc strategic projects with the HOF, assisting in investment appraisals and acting as a sounding board for both the HOF and the wider business
• Acting as a reviewer of outputs from the finance team to ensure correct and accurate 

REQUIREMENTS

• Self-motivated and enthusiastic person, with a flexible and proactive approach
• Desire to be part of growing business and working hard to achieve the company’s growth plans
• Ability to motivate, coach and influence others
• Efficient and diligent worker, with good eye for detail and questioning mind
• One who is flexible and enjoys a mixed role rather than a pure technical accounting one
• Qualified accountant, preferably ACA, ACCA or CIMA
• Able to challenge and influence at all levels
• Systems competence (Navision or similar; Excel to a good level;)
• Retail/Wholesale experience in Clothing useful but not essential