At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee financial operations and support business growth in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Deakin & Francis, England's oldest manufacturing jeweller with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career development and direct access to senior leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a historic luxury brand with ambitious growth plans.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance experience in an SME environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Deakin & Francis Ltd – Birmingham Full-Time | Office Based | 9am–5pm
About Us
Founded in 1786, Deakin & Francis is England’s oldest manufacturing jeweller, with a heritage spanning more than two centuries. Based in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, we design and manufacture luxury jewellery and accessories for clients across the UK and internationally. As a family-owned business with ambitious growth plans, including retail expansion in Birmingham and continued development of our London presence, we are looking for a commercially minded and hands-on Finance Director or Financial Controller to join our senior leadership team.
This is a varied role that goes far beyond finance. The successful candidate will play a key part in the day-to-day running of the business, working closely with the Managing Director and Owner, Henry Deakin.
The Role
Reporting directly to the MD and Owner, this position will oversee all financial operations of the business while also supporting broader operational, commercial, HR, and compliance functions. With annual turnover of approximately £3m, the role would suit either an experienced Financial Controller ready to broaden their responsibilities or an established Finance Director looking for a dynamic SME environment where they can make a genuine impact. The role is primarily based at our Birmingham factory headquarters, while also overseeing financial operations connected to our London retail activities and upcoming Birmingham retail expansion.
Key Responsibilities
- Finance & Reporting
- Management of day-to-day financial operations
- Preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reporting
- Production of detailed board packs and business analysis
- Cashflow forecasting and budgeting
- VAT returns and statutory compliance
- Liaison with external accountants, auditors, banks, and advisors
- Oversight of payroll and financial controls
- Stock and manufacturing cost analysis
- Operational & Commercial Support
- Supporting the MD with day-to-day business operations
- Assisting with renewals and administration of: Insurance, Private medical cover, Subscriptions and supplier contracts, Compliance-related services
- Supporting process improvement and operational efficiencies
- Helping implement modern systems and technology solutions, including AI-driven tools and automation
- HR & Compliance
- Supporting HR administration and employee processes
- Ensuring company compliance and governance standards are maintained
- Assisting with policies, procedures, and operational documentation
- Systems & Technology
- Managing and improving financial and operational systems
- Responsibility for stock management, controls, and reconciliation across Unleashed and Xero
- Margin analysis and product profitability reporting
- Credit control and supplier payment oversight
- Identifying opportunities for better reporting, automation, and smarter ways of working
About You
We are looking for someone who is commercially aware, highly organised, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving SME environment.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Previous manufacturing experience
- Experience in a senior finance role within an SME business
- Strong management reporting and board pack preparation experience
- Excellent Excel skills
- Strong understanding of compliance and financial controls
- Tech savvy and confident adopting new systems and AI tools
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Hands-on attitude with the ability to work across multiple areas of the business
Desirable
- Experience with Xero and Unleashed
- Retail or luxury goods experience
- Experience supporting HR or operational functions
- Family business or entrepreneurial business background
What We Offer
- Competitive salary depending on experience
- Discretionary performance-related bonus
- Company pension scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Staff discount on products
- Opportunity to join one of Britain’s most historic luxury brands
- A varied and influential role with direct access to senior leadership
- Dynamic and supportive team environment
- Opportunity to contribute to business growth and expansion
- Long-term career development within a growing company
This is an opportunity for an ambitious finance professional to become an integral part of a growing British luxury brand with genuine influence across the business.
Financial Controller or Financial Director in Birmingham employer: Deakin & Francis Ltd
Deakin & Francis Ltd, located in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment. As England's oldest manufacturing jeweller, we pride ourselves on our rich heritage while fostering employee growth through varied roles and direct access to senior leadership. With competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and opportunities for career development, we invite ambitious finance professionals to join our family-owned business and make a meaningful impact in the luxury jewellery sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller or Financial Director in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at Deakin & Francis. A personal introduction can make all the difference in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s history and values. Knowing about their heritage and growth plans will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their ambitious goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved financial operations or supported business growth in previous roles. This is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller or Financial Director in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Financial Controller or Director role. Highlight your manufacturing experience and any relevant financial achievements to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Deakin & Francis, showcasing your commercial awareness and hands-on attitude. Don’t forget to mention your passion for luxury goods!
Showcase Your Tech Savviness:We love candidates who are tech-savvy! If you have experience with Xero, Unleashed, or any AI-driven tools, make sure to highlight this in your application. It shows you’re ready to embrace modern systems and improve our operations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Deakin & Francis Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around cashflow forecasting and budgeting. Be ready to discuss how you've managed financial operations in previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Mindset
Deakin & Francis is looking for someone who can think beyond finance. Prepare examples of how you've supported operational and commercial functions in past positions. Highlight any process improvements or efficiencies you've implemented that had a positive impact on the business.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Tools
Since the role involves working with Xero and Unleashed, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with these systems if you haven't already. Mention any relevant experience you have with similar tools, and be prepared to discuss how you can leverage technology to improve financial reporting and operations.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex financial information in an understandable way, especially when discussing board packs and management accounts during the interview.
