At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and controls while driving profitable growth in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Exciting retail and merchandising business based in Manchester with a hybrid working model.
- Benefits: Enjoy fantastic benefits, including flexible working hours and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Join a growing finance team and enhance your skills in a fast-paced industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies and support international growth in e-commerce.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial control and e-commerce.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
We're partnering with a fantastic, end-to-end retail and merchandising business in Manchester to assist in their search for a Financial Controller.
The role: Reporting directly to the CFO, you’ll be responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, maintaining robust financial controls and leading core accounting processes. You’ll provide meaningful financial insight and challenge, helping the organisation understand performance, identify opportunities and support profitable growth across both B2C and B2B channels.
Based: Manchester Monday to Friday 37.5 hours PW Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days home) Fantastic benefits
About you: We’re seeking a commercially astute and proactive Financial Controller, you’ll need to have a strong background in online trading and stock control. Experience of navigating the financial complexities of e-commerce, including EU VAT compliance and cross-border transactions, will be critical to success in this position. Alongside ownership of the month-end management accounts process, budgeting, forecasting and statutory reporting, you will play a key role in managing working capital, cash flow and financial compliance. You will bring expertise in EU VAT regulations and international trading requirements, ensuring the business remains compliant while supporting continued growth.
Skills, Qualifications & Experience:
- Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA or ICAEW) with previous experience in a Financial Controller or senior financial accounting role
- Experienced in a smaller or growing finance team, with the ability and willingness to take ownership across a broad range of finance activities
- Experience in an e-commerce business with an international customer base is highly advantageous
- Strong knowledge of EU VAT regulations and experience with sales tax compliance
- Commercially minded, with the ability to understand business drivers, challenge constructively and turn financial information into actionable insight
- Strong technical accounting, financial analysis and modelling skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with non-finance stakeholders
- Highly proficient in Excel and financial systems, with an interest in using technology, automation and data to improve efficiency and financial visibility
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to work effectively across all levels of the organisation
Financial Controller in Manchester employer: AJ Group
Join a forward-thinking civil engineering contractor in Durham, where your expertise as a Contracts Manager will be valued and nurtured. With a strong pipeline of major infrastructure projects, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises safety, innovation, and professional development, offering genuine opportunities for career progression. Experience a supportive environment that not only focuses on delivering high-quality projects but also invests in the growth and well-being of its employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Manchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like AJ Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to AJ Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on AJ Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with AJ Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at AJ Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former AJ Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
