At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and optimise performance in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Join a creative retail brand known for its innovative approach and strong market presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a vibrant company culture.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting growth phase and shape the future of a leading brand.
- Qualifications: Deep retail sector experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: This role reports directly to the CEO and offers significant influence on company direction.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
Our client is a well‑established retail business with a strong presence across both bricks‑and‑mortar and online channels. With a distinctive brand and a loyal customer base, the company continues to perform strongly within a competitive consumer landscape. As the business evolves and explores new growth opportunities, they are seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join the executive team and help shape the next stage of the company’s journey.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board, the Chief Financial Officer will play a central role in setting financial strategy and strengthening commercial decision‑making across the business. This position offers a blend of strategic influence and operational oversight, supporting a dynamic retail environment where pace, creativity and commercial discipline sit side by side.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and lead the financial strategy, supporting both short‑term performance and long‑term growth
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, providing clear financial insight and challenge
- Own budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management across the business
- Lead capital planning, funding activity and investor or lender relationships
- Build, mentor and lead a high‑performing finance function with a strong commercial focus
- Partner with senior stakeholders on pricing, margin management, expansion and new initiatives
- Ensure robust financial controls, governance and scalable reporting frameworks are in place
- Oversee statutory reporting, audit processes and compliance with accounting standards
- Manage tax planning and ensure adherence to all regulatory and statutory requirements
Candidate Profile
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, with senior finance leadership experience in a retail environment
- Proven track record in commercially focused, consumer‑facing or brand‑led businesses
- Strong strategic capability combined with a hands‑on, delivery‑oriented approach
- Confident communicator with experience engaging at Board and stakeholder level
- Demonstrated success in building and leading finance teams through periods of growth or change
- Advanced financial modelling skills and strong systems knowledge
- Experience in fast‑paced or design‑led retail environments would be advantageous
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Chief Financial Officer employer: Harper May Ltd
Contact Detail:
Harper May Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the retail sector, especially those who have experience in financial leadership roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in financial strategy within retail.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly to understand their brand values, market position, and recent developments. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading financial strategies, particularly in dynamic environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've optimised performance and managed teams effectively in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of both financial governance and creative business strategies. Highlight how you can balance these aspects to drive growth and innovation, which is crucial for a design-led retail brand like ours.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in the retail sector, particularly any roles where you've shaped financial strategy or led teams. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to balance strategic vision with operational precision.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the brand and its creative edge. Discuss how your background aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their growth phase. Be sure to mention your experience with investor communications and capital planning.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership experience in managing finance teams. Provide examples of how you've embedded a performance-led culture and driven efficiency within your previous roles. This will resonate well with the company's focus on team growth.
Highlight Financial Governance Experience: Detail your experience with financial governance, including building scalable financial systems and controls. Mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your capability in ensuring robust financial oversight, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harper May Ltd
✨Showcase Your Retail Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in the retail sector during the interview. Discuss specific examples where you successfully shaped financial strategies that aligned with commercial goals, as this will resonate well with the company's focus.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Vision
Prepare to discuss how you can balance strategic vision with operational precision. Share insights on how you've previously driven growth initiatives and collaborated with senior leadership to achieve business objectives.
✨Emphasise Financial Governance
Be ready to talk about your approach to financial governance. Explain how you've implemented robust financial controls and reporting structures in past roles, as this is crucial for ensuring the company's financial health.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Communication
Since the role involves leading investor communications, prepare to discuss your experience in stakeholder engagement. Highlight any successful strategies you've used to manage relationships with investors and other key stakeholders.