At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance process improvements and mentor a dedicated team in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: A rapidly growing SME retail business with a focus on innovation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and the chance to make a lasting impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance processes while driving growth in a dynamic company.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in finance process improvement and strong mentoring skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for flexible working and potential for contract extension.
A fast‑growing, multi‑channel SME retail business is seeking an experienced interim consultant to support a small but dedicated finance team. With significant activity across online retail, imports, FMCG‑style stock movement, and warehouse operations, the business handles a high volume of invoices and complex reconciliation activity. The finance team need support improving key processes – particularly management accounts – that now require intervention. This is an opportunity to deliver immediate impact while setting the business up for long‑term success.
As Interim Finance Process Improvement Consultant, you’ll take ownership of stabilising, delivering, and improving the management accounts process while mentoring and upskilling the existing team. Key responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and correcting current accounting practices, ensuring accuracy and compliance
- Leading on the full MA process and embedding best‑practice workflows
- Enhancing efficiency across invoicing, stock, import, and reconciliation processes
- Coaching and developing team
- Implementing repeatable, scalable finance processes suitable for a growing business
The assignment is expected to last around six months, though the business is pragmatic and will extend if required to get the job done properly.
You’ll be an experienced interim with a proven track record of:
- Finance process improvement in fast‑paced product or stock‑led environments
- Delivering robust, accurate management accounts
- Xero expertise (essential)
- Strong mentoring and coaching skills
- Handling high‑volume transactional environments
- Restoring structure and best practice
Hands‑on brief with plenty to get stuck into. The autonomy to design, improve, and embed processes properly. The chance to have a long‑term impact on a business going through meaningful growth. Flexibility on working pattern once stability is achieved.
Finance Process Improvement Consultant employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Process Improvement Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your LinkedIn game on point! Make sure your profile is up-to-date and showcases your skills in finance process improvement. Engage with relevant content and connect with industry professionals to increase your visibility.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to finance processes and management accounts. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved processes in past roles – this will show you mean business!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Process Improvement Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Finance Process Improvement Consultant. Highlight your experience in finance process improvement and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to deliver robust management accounts.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your Xero expertise and mentoring skills. We want to see how you’ve successfully coached teams in the past and improved processes in fast-paced environments, so give us the details!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points where possible to make your key achievements stand out. We appreciate clarity and want to quickly see how you can add value to our finance team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your finance knowledge, especially around management accounts and process improvement. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved financial processes in previous roles, particularly in fast-paced environments.
✨Showcase Your Xero Skills
Since Xero expertise is essential for this role, be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency with the software. Bring examples of how you've used Xero to enhance efficiency or accuracy in financial reporting.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems related to finance processes. Think about how you would approach stabilising and improving management accounts, and be ready to outline your thought process clearly.
✨Highlight Your Mentoring Experience
This role involves coaching and developing the existing finance team, so share your experiences in mentoring others. Discuss specific strategies you've used to upskill team members and how you've fostered a collaborative working environment.