At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and management accounting in a fast-growing global business.
- Company: Join Harding+, a recognised leader in cruise retail experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, 26 days holiday, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic finance team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Step into a key leadership role with real impact on a growing international business.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong experience in financial control and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Deputy Financial Controller Bristol / Avonmouth HQ | Hybrid working (2–3 days in the office)
Leading financial control is one thing. Doing it across a global, fast‑growing business is another. At Harding+, we create standout retail experiences at sea, working with leading cruise lines and brand partners to make every cruise better. With the business now exceeding £300m turnover and operating across a complex international fleet, we’re looking for a Deputy Financial Controller to play a key leadership role at the heart of our finance function. This is a high‑impact, high‑visibility position, working closely with the Financial Controller and CFO, with real ownership, autonomy and influence across the business.
This is more than a technical finance role. You’ll be a senior leader within Financial Control, responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy and performance of the group’s financial reporting, while also stepping in to lead the function when needed. You’ll take clear ownership of management and statutory accounting across a multi‑entity, multi‑currency environment, leading the monthly close, group consolidation and audit process. Alongside this, you’ll provide senior oversight and support across payroll, compliance, systems and transactional finance, ensuring strong controls and consistency across the function.
You’ll lead management accounting and payroll through your direct reports, while supporting and strengthening the wider transactional finance functions. Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business, you’ll provide clear financial insight, challenge and direction, helping ensure the business operates with strong financial discipline as it continues to grow. This role combines technical expertise, leadership and judgement. You’ll be just as comfortable leading the close and audit process as you are representing finance in senior forums or driving improvements across systems and controls.
- Owning the monthly management accounts, close process and financial reporting
- Leading group consolidations, statutory accounts and the external audit process
- Acting as deputy to the Financial Controller, providing leadership and continuity
- Driving improvements across financial controls, systems and reporting quality
- Providing senior oversight and support across payroll, tax and compliance
- Providing oversight and support to AP and AR functions, ensuring strong controls, accurate processing and effective cash management
- Leading and developing a team across management accounts and payroll
This is a role for someone who wants to step into broader leadership, operate with autonomy and play a key part in shaping a growing international business.
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong post‑qualification experience
- Proven background in a senior financial control role within a complex, multi‑entity business
- Strong technical expertise across group consolidations and statutory reporting (FRS102)
- Experience leading external audits end‑to‑end
- Confident people leader with the ability to develop and motivate teams
- Comfortable operating with autonomy and representing finance at a senior level
- Strong systems mindset, ideally with ERP experience (Business Central or similar)
- Able to communicate financial information clearly to non‑finance stakeholders
- High attention to detail with a proactive, solutions‑focused approach
Why Join Harding+?
- Annual bonus opportunity
- 26 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Option to buy up to 5 additional holiday days
- Paid volunteer days
- Harding+ staff discount onboard and through staff sales
- Free onsite parking
- Salary sacrifice schemes
- Online discounts with major high‑street retailers
- Employee wellbeing assistance programme
- Staff social events and parties
- 4× life assurance
- Medical cashback plan
- Hybrid working and a collaborative office environment
You’ll also be part of a finance team that plays a critical role in shaping the business, with exposure to senior leadership, international operations and ongoing transformation. Ready to take the next step in your finance leadership career? Apply now.
Deputy Financial Controller employer: Harding Retail
At Harding+, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With hybrid working options, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in Bristol, where you'll have the opportunity to lead within a high-impact finance function, contribute to a rapidly growing international business, and enjoy unique benefits like staff discounts and paid volunteer days.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might have insights into Harding+. A friendly chat can open doors and give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss group consolidations and statutory reporting in detail. Show them you’re not just a numbers person but a strategic thinker too!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Harding+ team.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Deputy Financial Controller role. Highlight your leadership experience, technical expertise, and any relevant achievements in financial control to grab our attention.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Harding+. Share your passion for finance and how your background aligns with our mission of creating standout retail experiences at sea.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone who can lead and motivate teams. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in complex financial environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harding Retail
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Deputy Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed group consolidations and statutory reporting in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the complexities of a multi-entity business.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires a confident people leader. Prepare examples of how you've developed and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as well as how you’ve represented finance at senior levels.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to convey financial information to non-finance stakeholders. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will help you stand out as someone who can bridge the gap between finance and other departments.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
With a proactive approach being essential, come prepared with examples of how you've driven improvements across financial controls and systems. Highlight any ERP experience you have, especially with Business Central or similar systems, to show you're ready to tackle challenges head-on.
