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- Tasks: Lead financial operations for Halfords' Garage Services, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
- Company: Join Halfords, a leading retailer in motoring and cycling innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a fast-growing business unit and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with strong leadership and technical skills.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusion and personal development at Halfords.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Apply now Job no: 560186
Work type: Full time
Site: Redditch
Categories: Finance
Location: Worcestershire
Salary: Competitive
Business Area: Halfords Support Centre
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 Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange and reported annual revenue of £1.7bn in its last set of results. Since 2019 Halfords has expanded its Garage services (GS) offering via organic growth and through acquisition. GS is now a significant business unit within Halfords and contributed £700m of revenue and EBITDA of £62m to the Group in year ended 28 March 25. GS consists of a number of different brands including Halfords Autocentres, National Tyres, McConechy’s, Universal Tyres and Lodge Tyres providing servicing and tyres to retail and business customers and operating through c. 630 garage outlets, 280 mobile service vans and 500 commercial vans.
About the role
As Financial Controller – Garages, you will play a pivotal role at the heart of Halfords’ fast-growing Garage Services division, sitting on the Group Controllers leadership team and shaping the financial future of a major business unit. Leading and developing a talented team of eight accountants, you will take full ownership of the ledgers for all Garage Services entities, delivering accurate month-end close, half-year, and full-year reporting. You will safeguard the integrity of the balance sheet, drive improvements in reconciliation processes, and provide expert technical accounting support to Commercial Finance and other key stakeholders.
This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role where you will lead process and control improvements, partner with IT to deliver efficiency gains, and work closely with operational teams to ensure finance processes keep pace with business change. From overseeing external audits to supporting the Finance transformation agenda, you will be a trusted advisor and driver of positive change – ensuring results are delivered on time, with no surprises, and to the highest standards of governance.
Key responsibilities
- Act as a senior member of the Group Controllers leadership team, shaping strategy and driving best practice across Finance.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of eight qualified and part-qualified accountants responsible for the Garages business unit ledgers.
- Oversee month-end close, half-year, and full-year reporting for all Garage Services entities, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Own the integrity of the Garage Services balance sheet, driving improvements in reconciliation quality and efficiency.
- Provide technical accounting expertise and guidance to Commercial Finance and other stakeholders.
- Drive process and control improvements in partnership with IT, enhancing efficiency across key finance processes (P2P, O2C, R2R).
- Partner with Commercial Finance to deliver accurate month-end results, forecasts, and budgets.
- Work closely with operational leaders to align finance processes with business changes, managing risk and ensuring robust controls.
- Act as the key finance contact for external audit of the Garages business unit.
- Play an active role in delivering the Group’s Finance transformation plan.
About you
- Accomplished Financial Controller with a strong track record of leading complex finance functions in fast-paced, multi-entity environments.
- Fully qualified accountant with deep technical expertise and a reputation for delivering accurate, insightful, and timely reporting.
- Proven leader who builds and develops high-performing teams while staying hands-on and detail-focused when needed.
- Strong control mindset with a history of strengthening governance, improving reconciliations, and embedding best practice.
- Skilled in driving system and process improvements that enhance efficiency and support business growth.
- Confident and influential communicator, trusted by senior stakeholders to provide challenge, insight, and solutions.
- A fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, car allowance, annual discretionary bonus scheme, pension, life assurance, 30 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 in our Support Centre, you will be based at our Support Centre 3 days a week with an optional 2 days working 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 would encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We are an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.
At Halfords, we operate a hybrid working policy with 3 days on site at our Support Centre in Redditch, Worcestershire.
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Financial Controller - Garages employer: Halfords Group PLC
Contact Detail:
Halfords Group PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller - Garages
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work at Halfords or in similar roles. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Halfords' Garage Services division and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you’ve driven process improvements in past roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller - Garages
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in leading finance functions and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for finance and how your skills can contribute to Halfords' mission. Don't forget to mention your leadership style and how you develop high-performing teams!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires deep technical expertise, make sure to highlight your qualifications and any relevant certifications. Discuss your experience with month-end close processes and financial reporting to show us you know your stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Halfords family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Halfords Group PLC
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and analysis. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the Garage Services division, such as revenue growth and EBITDA margins. Be ready to discuss how you've improved financial processes in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team of accountants, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams, driven performance improvements, and fostered a collaborative environment. Use specific anecdotes that showcase your ability to motivate and guide others.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Halfords' Garage Services and its market position. Research their recent expansions and acquisitions. Being able to discuss how your financial strategies can support their growth will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker who understands the business landscape.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical accounting knowledge and problem-solving skills. Review key accounting principles and be prepared to discuss how you've applied them in real-world scenarios. This could include your approach to audits, reconciliations, or any finance transformation projects you've led.
