At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and reporting for 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: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and team development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while working with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong experience in financial control and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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. Harding+ has been recognised as Cruise Retailer of the Year in 2023 and 2025. This is an opportunity to join a business that is scaling, evolving and investing in its future.
The Opportunity
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.
Key Areas Of Focus Will Include
- 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
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
- 4x life assurance
- Medical cashback plan
- Hybrid working and a collaborative office environment
Ready to take the next step in your finance leadership career? Apply now.
Deputy Financial Controller in Bristol employer: Harding+
At Harding+, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide numerous opportunities for professional development alongside competitive benefits such as hybrid working, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive wellbeing programme. Join us in our Bristol HQ and be part of a fast-growing global business recognised as Cruise Retailer of the Year, where your contributions will have a meaningful impact on our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Financial Controller in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in multi-entity businesses. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've driven improvements in financial controls and reporting quality in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your people skills! As a Deputy Financial Controller, you'll need to motivate and develop your team. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or improved collaboration across departments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining Harding+.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Financial Controller in Bristol
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 experience in financial control, group consolidations, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for Harding+. Share specific examples of your achievements in financial reporting and team leadership. We love a good story, so make it engaging!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical expertise, don’t shy away from mentioning your qualifications and experience with systems like ERP or FRS102. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Harding+ and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harding+
✨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 understand the complexities of financial control in a multi-entity environment.
✨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 driven improvements across financial controls and systems.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to convey financial information to non-finance stakeholders effectively. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on your ability to provide clear financial insights and direction, which is crucial for this high-visibility position.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
With a proactive approach being essential, come prepared with examples of how you've tackled challenges in financial reporting or compliance. Highlight your solutions-focused mindset and how it has led to improved processes or outcomes in your previous roles.
