Financial Controller | Retail Icon | Up to £110k | London

Financial Controller | Retail Icon | Up to £110k | London

London Full-Time 110000 - 110000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial control and manage a large finance team in a global retail icon.
  • Company: Join a beloved consumer brand with a strong global presence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to £110k, hybrid work, and bonus opportunities.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse applicants.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of financial leadership in a rapidly growing company.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with retail experience and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 110000 - 110000 £ per year.

A Global Retail Icon based in London is seeking a Financial Controller. This company is one of the most recognised and beloved consumer brands in the world, with a huge following and a global footprint.

The finance function is at the heart of a business in confident growth mode. With a large finance team and ambitious plans for continued expansion, this role is a direct result of that growth.

This newly created Financial Controller position sits at the top of a large, well-resourced finance team and reports directly to the Finance Director. You will ensure every number is right, every process is tight, and every team member knows exactly what they are doing and why it matters. You will be a trusted partner to the wider finance leadership team, with a remit that touches every corner of the function.

Responsibilities include:

  • End-to-end financial control across the group: month-end and year-end close, balance sheet integrity, statutory reporting and audit.
  • Full ownership of the Accounts Payable function: payment runs, invoice processing, banking controls and supplier master data, operating at high volume and to a high standard.
  • Inventory and stock accounting across a significant global stock holding: valuation, movement tracking and reconciliation.
  • Day-to-day leadership of a large finance team, focusing on clarity of ownership, team development and continuous improvement.
  • Internal controls framework: designing, maintaining and strengthening the control environment in line with audit requirements and best practice.
  • Process improvement and systems optimisation, with a focus on the ongoing ERP programme.

Requirements:

  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
  • Background in retail, consumer goods or global product brands, ideally with meaningful inventory exposure.
  • Proven experience managing 10+ direct reports in-house, with the presence and emotional intelligence to lead across all levels of seniority.
  • International or global business exposure: multi-currency, multi-entity environments.
  • A process-driven mindset with strong systems proficiency and a track record of improving financial operations at scale.

Salary: Up to £110,000 + Bonus

Location: London

Hybrid: 3 days in office, 2 days at home

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.

Financial Controller | Retail Icon | Up to £110k | London employer: Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp

As a Financial Controller at this globally recognised retail icon in London, you will be part of a dynamic and ambitious finance team that is pivotal to the company's growth. The organisation prides itself on its inclusive work culture, offering robust employee development opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, this role provides a unique chance to lead a talented team while contributing to the success of a beloved brand.

Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp

Contact Details:

Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Financial Controller | Retail Icon | Up to £110k | London

Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks

The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!

Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences

Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!

Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise

Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp.

Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites

Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller | Retail Icon | Up to £110k | London

Financial Control
Month-End Close
Year-End Close
Statutory Reporting
Audit Management
Accounts Payable Management
Inventory Accounting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.

Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!

Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.

Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp how you can be a team player!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!

Showcase Your Financial Acumen

If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp.

Know Your Numbers

In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.

Connect with Company Goals

Familiarise yourself with Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!