At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, manage budgets, and support strategic growth initiatives.
- Company: Fast-growing premium beauty and fragrance brand with international expansion.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunity for career progression.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of a thriving beauty brand.
- Qualifications: Strong accounting skills and experience in high-growth consumer environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Financial Controller to join a fast-growing, premium beauty and fragrance business experiencing exceptional UK and international growth. This role offers far more than traditional financial control responsibilities — it is a genuine opportunity for a commercially minded finance leader to grow into a future Finance Director position within a dynamic, founder-led SME environment.
The business has established strong partnerships across key UK retail channels including major premium and high-street retailers such as Boots, Sephora, John Lewis and Feelunique, and continues to scale rapidly across both DTC and wholesale markets.
We’re looking for a hands‑on, strategic finance professional who enjoys operating within a fast‑paced consumer brand environment and can bring both technical excellence and commercial insight to the leadership team.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the day‑to‑day finance function including reporting, cash flow, payroll, and operational finance
- Deliver accurate monthly management accounts, forecasts, and board reporting with clear commercial analysis
- Manage budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis across multiple revenue channels
- Oversee year‑end audit and statutory reporting processes
- Ensure robust financial controls, compliance, and process improvements as the business scales
- Business partner with senior leadership to support strategic growth initiatives and profitability
- Support retail and wholesale performance analysis across key UK partners including Boots, Sephora, John Lewis and Feelunique
- Drive systems enhancements, automation, and finance process optimisation
- Manage VAT, PAYE, and Corporation Tax compliance alongside external advisers
- Mentor and develop the finance team as the business continues to grow
- Strong technical accounting and reporting expertise
- Experience within a high‑growth SME, consumer, beauty, retail, or lifestyle brand environment
- Strong understanding of the UK retail landscape and wholesale partnerships
- Previous exposure to businesses trading with retailers such as Boots, Sephora, John Lewis, Feelunique or similar highly advantageous
- Commercially focused with excellent analytical and financial modelling capability
- Confident operating in a fast‑moving, entrepreneurial environment
- Hands‑on approach with the ability to balance strategic and operational priorities
- Sage50 experience beneficial
- Hybrid working arrangement in a premium Central London office
- Opportunity to play a key role within a scaling international beauty brand
If you’re looking to join a high‑growth, entrepreneurial business where you can make a real impact and grow alongside the company, we’d love to hear from you.
Financial Controller employer: KJ Talent & Partners
Join a dynamic and ambitious beauty and fragrance business in Central London, where you can thrive in a fast-paced environment that values innovation and growth. As a Financial Controller, you'll not only lead the finance function but also have the opportunity to develop into a future Finance Director, supported by a culture that encourages mentorship and professional development. With a hybrid working arrangement and the chance to make a significant impact in a scaling international brand, this is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the beauty and retail sectors, especially those who work with brands like Boots or Sephora. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent growth and partnerships. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their business model and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives you a better chance of being noticed by our hiring team. Let’s get you that Financial Controller role!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Financial Controller role. Highlight your technical accounting expertise and any experience in high-growth environments, especially within the beauty or retail sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to financial success in previous positions and how you can bring that same energy to our team.
Showcase Your Commercial Insight:In your application, demonstrate your understanding of the UK retail landscape and your ability to analyse performance. We want to see how you can partner with senior leadership to drive strategic growth initiatives.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you can easily keep track of your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at KJ Talent & Partners
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your technical expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in previous roles. This shows you’re not just about the numbers but also understand their impact on business strategy.
✨Understand the Brand Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the beauty and fragrance industry, especially the brands mentioned in the job description like Boots and Sephora. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these retailers and their market dynamics will impress the interviewers and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've contributed to strategic growth initiatives in past positions. Discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis, and how these have driven profitability. This will highlight your ability to think beyond traditional finance roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in financial reporting or compliance and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your hands-on approach and readiness to tackle the fast-paced environment of a growing SME.
