At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a luxury global retailer.
- Company: Join a respected design-led retailer in the gift sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on strategic decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial leadership during exciting company growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in finance leadership within multi-channel consumer businesses.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
FD Recruit are working closely with a highly respected, design-led, creative, luxury B2C/B2B global retailer who provides high quality products in the gift sector to source an experienced Finance Director who can hit the ground running and provide strong, steady financial leadership during this next phase of the company’s growth. Working hand-in-hand with the COO on the day-to-day running of the business and bring immediate clarity on cash, margin, planning and commercial decisions.
You will manage, lead and develop a Financial Controller and a small finance team as well as support close partnership across operations, commercial and creative functions, and ownership of legal and commercial contracts across the business, supporting ongoing projects where required. This is a role for someone who is a doer, not a delegator and has done it before, knows what good looks like in a multi-channel, multi-market consumer business, and is energised by getting into the detail quickly while holding a clear strategic line.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide steady, credible financial leadership from day one, partnering closely with the COO on operational and commercial decisions.
- Actively contribute to commercial decision-making across the business: pricing, channel investment, market choices, and trade-offs between growth, margin and cash.
- Monitor and manage the control environment to ensure an appropriate balance between allowing managers to operate dynamically and protecting the business finances.
- Liaise with external financial advisers in relation to tax, accounting, insurance and related matters.
- Lead the production of timely, accurate and insightful monthly financial reports for the senior management team.
- Provide deeper financial and commercial analysis where required, presenting the results and implications to non-financial managers.
- Continue to develop reporting to reflect the dynamic nature of the business operating environment.
- Oversee treasury and foreign exchange management.
- Own cash forecasting and working capital management across an inventory-led, seasonal business.
- Manage and lead the budgeting cycle and rolling forecasts, partnering with department heads to set realistic, ambitious plans that they will own and deliver.
- Provide robust scenario planning to support decisions on inventory, sourcing, pricing and market expansion.
- Provide deeper insight into margin by channel D2C, B2B/wholesale and by market to drive commercial action.
- Partner with operations on inventory planning, ensuring stock supports service across markets without tying up unnecessary cash.
- Own the financial implications of an outsourced production model with internal distribution and logistics, including landed cost, freight, FX and the financial impact of tariff changes.
- Lead UK and US tax and VAT/Sales Tax compliance, and other markets.
Finance Director in London employer: FD Recruit
FD Recruit is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Wolverhampton that fosters innovation and strategic thinking. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and leadership training, ensuring our team members thrive in their careers. Our collaborative culture encourages open communication and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful financial strategies that drive the company's success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in London
✨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 FD Recruit. 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 Finance Director in London
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 FD Recruit.
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 FD Recruit'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 FD Recruit
✨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 FD Recruit.
✨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 FD Recruit 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 FD Recruit 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.
