At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and drive growth across the UK & Ireland.
- Company: Fast-growing international consumer products business with innovative products.
- Benefits: Senior leadership role with autonomy and influence in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape financial processes and make a real impact in a thriving company.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong experience in finance roles, preferably in FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
A fast-growing international consumer products business with a strong presence across multiple global markets is seeking a Financial Controller to lead financial operations across the UK & Ireland region. The business is known for its innovative product range, strong retail partnerships, and continued expansion across both Retail and e-commerce channels.
This is a senior finance leadership role responsible for overseeing all financial control, reporting, compliance, and performance management across the UK & Ireland business. You will act as a key business partner to commercial, supply chain, and leadership teams, ensuring robust financial governance while supporting growth and operational decision-making.
Key responsibilities- Lead all financial control activities across UK & Ireland entities
- Own month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Oversee statutory reporting, audit management, and compliance with UK GAAP/IFRS requirements
- Manage budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning cycles
- Provide insightful financial analysis to support commercial decision-making
- Partner with commercial, sales, and operations teams to drive margin improvement and cost efficiency
- Oversee balance sheet integrity, cash flow management, and working capital optimisation
- Support tax, treasury, and intercompany processes across the region
- Lead and develop a small finance team, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement
- Drive process improvement, systems enhancement, and automation initiatives within finance
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Strong experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role within FMCG, consumer goods, retail, or similar
- Experience working in a multi-entity or international business environment
- Strong technical accounting knowledge (UK GAAP and/or IFRS)
- Commercially minded with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing finance teams
- Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and a proactive mindset
- Confident communicator with the ability to operate in a fast-paced, growth-focused environment
- Senior leadership role in a growing international business
- High level of autonomy and influence across the UK & Ireland region
- Opportunity to shape financial processes and drive transformation
Financial Controller in Southampton employer: Advocate Group
Join a dynamic and fast-growing international consumer products business as a Financial Controller in Hampshire, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping financial operations across the UK & Ireland. With a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration, the company fosters a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and offers a high level of autonomy in decision-making. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a hybrid environment, allowing for flexibility while being part of a team dedicated to driving transformation and excellence in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Southampton
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Advocate Group.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Advocate Group might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Advocate Group will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Advocate Group. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Advocate Group confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Advocate Group.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Advocate Group that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
