At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial reporting, audits, and compliance while driving cost control and performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic finance team at a leading company in Westerham.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, flexible working, and a strong focus on your career development.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact in a fast-paced environment with real commercial challenges.
- Qualifications: Must have an accounting qualification and 5 years of relevant finance experience.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and recognition.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a commercially minded Assistant Finance Controller to join our Finance team at our Westerham site. This is a pivotal role, supporting the function to ensure accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and data-driven decision making across the business. Working closely with Finance Operations, Commercial Finance, and Corporate teams, you will play a key role in month-end and year-end close activities, audit delivery, statutory reporting, and compliance. You will influence how financial insight is used across the organisation, helping drive cost control, optimise performance, and ensure robust governance in a fast-paced, matrix environment. If you enjoy taking ownership, partnering with stakeholders, and applying technical accounting expertise to real commercial challenges, this role offers visibility, variety, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference.
What You Will Be Responsible For
- Financial Reporting & Close Activities
- Supporting month-end, half-year, and year-end close processes
- Assisting in the preparation of full financial statements (P&L and balance sheet)
- Reviewing balance sheet reconciliations, intercompany transactions, and journal entries
- Ensuring timely, accurate financial reporting to support business decision making
- Managing true and accurate sales rebates, promotions, and display reconciliations in collaboration with Commercial Finance
- Audit, Tax & Compliance
- Acting as a key contact for internal and external auditors, supporting year-end audits across all UK entities
- Assisting with audit, tax, and legal requirements in line with group policies
- Preparing and submitting Tax and VAT returns
- Supporting SOX compliance and adherence to accounting standards (US GAAP essential)
- Managing lease accounting and compliance with IFRS 16 in collaboration with EMEAA Controllership and Corporate Accounting
- Supporting FX forward purchasing processes in partnership with Corporate Treasury
- Operational Finance & Controls
- Supporting with day-to-day finance operations
- Producing high-quality reports and statements to improve audit efficiency
- Maintaining and updating finance procedures and documentation
- Driving financial discipline and strong internal controls across the business
- Proactively identifying issues, risks, and improvement opportunities
- Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Working closely with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment with controls and policies
- Influencing cost control and performance against key business drivers
- Taking on new responsibilities aligned with the role’s purpose
- Supporting best-practice implementation across the controllership function
Qualifications
- A recognised accounting qualification (CIMA, ACA, ACCA)
- A minimum of 5 years’ relevant finance experience
- Strong knowledge of US GAAP and SOX compliance (essential)
- Proven experience supporting financial close, reporting and audit processes
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to influence stakeholders
- High proficiency in MS Office, ERP systems and financial reporting tools
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines
- A collaborative approach, with the confidence to challenge constructively
- Willingness to travel between UK sites as required
What Your Colleagues Say About You
- Detail-focused with a strong sense of accountability
- Commercially aware and able to see the bigger picture
- Confident, professional and credible with stakeholders
- Proactive, solutions-oriented, and resilient under pressure
- A strong team player who leads by example
Core Competencies
- Cultivates Innovation – Challenges the status quo and drives improvement
- Active Learner – Continuously develops technical and commercial capability
- Collaborates – Works effectively across functions and geographies
- Plans and Aligns – Balances strategic thinking with operational delivery
Values
- Think Big, Learn Fast
- Work It Together
- Make The Hard Call
- Aligned in how we collaborate
- Agile in the face of change
- Accountable to our commitments
- Action-led, with integrity and transparency
Why Join Us?
We reward not only results, but the positive impact you make along the way. With a strong performance culture and a focus on development, you will have the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to meaningful, high-impact work. At the heart of everything we do is our belief in our Home for All, empowering people to Make a Difference.
Benefits
- 33 days holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Annual Incentive Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Life Assurance & Pension Plan
- Health & Wellbeing Programme (including health cash plan)
- High Street Reward Scheme & Refer a Friend Programme
- Free Parking & Eye Care support
- Flexible working model
- Employee Recognition Programme
Our Hiring Process
- Initial discussion with our Resourcing Team
- On-site interview process (1–2 stages depending on role)
- Successful candidates notified and start dates confirmed
Assistant Finance Controller in Westerham employer: Fortune Brands
Contact Detail:
Fortune Brands Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Finance Controller in Westerham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give you insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for finance roles. Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description, especially around financial reporting and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've influenced cost control or improved financial processes. This will demonstrate your value to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re a perfect fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Finance Controller in Westerham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Assistant Finance Controller role. Highlight your accounting qualifications and relevant finance experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced financial reporting or improved processes in previous positions.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data-driven decision making, be sure to mention any analytical tools or methods you've used in the past. We love seeing how you tackle financial challenges!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortune Brands
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Finance Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and reporting standards like US GAAP and IFRS 16. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially during month-end and year-end processes.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to influence decisions and drive cost control while maintaining strong internal controls.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical accounting knowledge. Review common audit processes, tax compliance, and financial reporting practices. Being able to explain complex concepts clearly will show your confidence and expertise.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
The interviewers will be keen to see how you handle challenges. Think of specific instances where you've identified issues and implemented solutions in finance operations. This will showcase your proactive approach and resilience under pressure.