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 in London 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 within 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the beauty and retail sectors, especially those who have experience with brands like Boots or Sephora. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Financial Controller role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company's financials and recent growth stories. Show us you understand their business model and how your skills can help them scale even further. We love candidates who come in ready to discuss strategic insights!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your technical skills; highlight your commercial acumen too! Talk about how you've driven profitability or improved processes in previous roles. We want to see that you can balance both the numbers and the business strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your application in the best light possible. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in high-growth environments and any relevant partnerships with retailers like Boots or Sephora.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial success in previous roles, especially in consumer brands or SMEs.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical accounting expertise and any experience with tools like Sage50. We want to see how you can bring both technical excellence and commercial insight to our team.
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 this exciting opportunity in our growing beauty brand.
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 accounting skills. 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 Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the beauty and fragrance industry, especially the UK retail landscape. Research the company's partnerships with retailers like Boots and Sephora. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these relationships 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 roles. Discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis, and how these have driven profitability. This will highlight your ability to think commercially and strategically.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment. Think of scenarios where you've had to balance operational priorities with strategic goals. Practising these responses will help you articulate your hands-on approach effectively during the interview.
