At a Glance
- Tasks: Strengthen financial controls and support compliance across a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Join Halfords, a leading retailer in motoring and cycling innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and extensive employee discounts.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusion and personal development at Halfords.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial governance in a fast-paced, diverse team.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial controls and risk management.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
About us
At Halfords, our mission is to inspire and support a lifetime of motoring and cycling. As a specialist retailer, we lead the market through customer-driven innovation and a distinct product range. We are dedicated to providing our customers with an integrated, unique, and convenient service experience, from e-bike and electric vehicle servicing to on-demand solutions. Our commitment is to foster customer loyalty by offering compelling reasons to keep coming back to our stores, ensuring a lifetime of motoring and cycling enjoyment. The teams at our Support Centre work with every other area of our business, putting them at the heart of the action and playing a key role in our success and growth.
The role
As a Group Controls Accountant, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening and embedding Halfords' financial control environment as we prepare for our first attestation under Provision 29 of the UK Corporate Governance Code. A key focus of the role will be supporting the design, implementation and ongoing operation of our Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) framework. Working within the Risk & Control team, you will partner with stakeholders across the business to ensure our control environment is robust, effective, and capable of supporting the needs of a complex FTSE 250 organisation. Reporting to the Group Controls Manager, you'll lead on Financial Controls whilst supporting broader controls, risk, and remediation activities across the organisation. You'll perform controls testing, assess control effectiveness, identify gaps, and work closely with stakeholders to implement practical improvements that enhance governance without creating unnecessary complexity. This role offers exposure across Finance, Technology, Risk, Internal Audit, and wider business functions. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining technical controls knowledge with stakeholder engagement and process improvement.
Key responsibilities
- Support the ongoing development, assessment, and monitoring of the Group's Provision 29 compliance requirements along with Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) framework
- Perform controls testing and assurance activities, providing evidence of control effectiveness and identifying areas requiring remediation
- Identify control deficiencies, assess associated risks, and support the implementation and tracking of remediation plans
- Partner with process owners to improve controls, streamline workflows, and enhance operational efficiency while maintaining appropriate governance
- Prepare clear and accurate documentation, reporting, and management information for senior stakeholders, Internal Audit, and External Audit
- Support risk assessments, balance sheet reconciliation quality reviews, and wider controls transformation initiatives across the business
About you
- Qualified accountant or auditor (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIA, MCIIA, or equivalent)
- Experience within financial controls, internal audit, risk management, governance, or financial reporting environments
- Good understanding of internal control frameworks such as SOX, ICFR, or similar controls-based environments, alongside knowledge of UK Corporate Governance requirements
- Experience identifying control weaknesses and supporting the delivery of effective remediation activities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret information, assess risk, and recommend practical solutions
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, comfortable working with colleagues at all levels across the business
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a changing environment
A fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, annual discretionary bonus scheme, pension, life assurance, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave. Commitment and dedication to your ongoing personal and professional development. We help you to own and grow your potential so you can be at your best in your current role and to support your future career aspirations. We offer hybrid working with a blend of working in our Support Centre and from home. You will have access to a wealth of employee discounts across the Halfords suite of products and services. Wellbeing and inclusion are at the heart of our colleague experience. We offer resources and ongoing support to enhance your wellbeing at work and active Colleague Networks supporting inclusion initiatives across Halfords.
Not sure you meet all the criteria? We'd encourage you to take the wheel! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We're an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.
Halfords operates a Hybrid working policy with this position being based 2 days per week at our Support Centre in Redditch, West Midlands.
Group Controls Accountant in Redditch employer: Halfords Careers
At Halfords, we pride ourselves on being the UK's largest automotive service provider, offering a dynamic work environment where customer service advisors can thrive. With competitive salaries, an uncapped bonus scheme, and extensive benefits including discounts on products and services, we foster a culture of growth and inclusivity, ensuring every employee has the opportunity to advance their career while enjoying a supportive workplace. Join us in our mission to keep the nation moving and experience the unique advantages of working with a leading name in motoring and cycling.
