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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial forecasting and analysis for a growing sports franchise.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the sports and leisure sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in forecasting, variance analysis, and strong Excel skills required.
- Other info: Collaborate with directors and investors in a supportive, innovative culture.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Lucid Connect are supporting our client with a growing franchise model within the sports and leisure sector, with their search for an experienced Group Financial Controller. This position will take ownership of financial forecasting, variance analysis, and commercial insight, supporting directors, franchise partners, and investors as the group scales. This role will focus on forward-looking finance and performance analysis.
ROLE OBJECTIVES AND FOCUS
- Group-wide financial forecasting and re-forecasting
- Detailed variance analysis (actual vs budget vs forecast)
- Growth planning and site-level economics
- Franchise financial performance and reporting
- Investor-grade financial insight
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Forecasting & Financial Planning
- Ownership of rolling forecasts (monthly, quarterly, annual) at:
- Site level
- SPV level
- Group consolidated level
- Building and maintaining financial models for:
- New facilities openings
- Ramp-up periods and utilisation curves
- Mature site benchmarks
- Sensitivity and scenario modelling to support strategic decisions
- Continuous re-forecasting to reflect trading performance and operational changes
- Detailed variance analysis of:
- Actual vs budget
- Actual vs forecast
- Forecast vs prior forecast
- Financial oversight of the franchise model, including:
- Franchise fee structures and revenue streams
- Central cost recovery and margins
- Franchisee profitability and unit economics
- Review and challenge of monthly management accounts
- Group consolidation and high-level balance sheet oversight
- Group and entity-level cashflow forecasting, including funding runway analysis
- Monitoring intercompany funding flows and capital allocation
- Capital raises and funding rounds
- New SPV structures for expansion sites
- Capex planning and return analysis
- Preparation of investor-ready forecasts, models, and variance commentary
- Supporting due diligence and external data requests
- Technical oversight of VAT, payroll, and statutory outputs prepared with advisers
- Liaison with external accountants and tax advisers
- Ensuring consistency between forecasts, management accounts, and statutory results
- Maintaining group-wide financial policies and modelling standards
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
- Strong background in forecasting, FP&A, and variance analysis
- Experience in multi-entity or SPV-based groups
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills
- Ability to communicate financial insight clearly to non-finance stakeholders
- Experience in:
- Franchise or multi-site operating models
- Leisure, hospitality, sports, or consumer-facing businesses
- Investor-backed growth companies
- Exposure to investor reporting and board-level finance
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Commercially focused and analytically strong
- Comfortable challenging assumptions and explaining variances
- Structured, detail-driven, and outcome-oriented
- Confident working with directors, investors, and franchise partners
- Calm under pressure in a fast-growth environment
Commercial Manager (Finance) in Northampton employer: Lucid Connect Ltd
Contact Detail:
Lucid Connect Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager (Finance) in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance and commercial sectors, especially those who work in franchise models. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial forecasting and variance analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in past roles, and think of examples that showcase your ability to provide actionable insights.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical prowess! When you get the chance, demonstrate how you've tackled complex financial challenges in previous positions. Use clear, concise language to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your application in the best light possible.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager (Finance) in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Group Financial Controller. Highlight your experience in forecasting, variance analysis, and financial modelling, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in a multi-entity environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for finance and how your background aligns with our needs in the sports and leisure sector. Don’t forget to mention any relevant experience with franchise models!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: In your application, emphasise your analytical prowess. We want to see how you’ve used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Include examples of how you've translated complex financial insights into actionable strategies for stakeholders.
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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lucid Connect Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial forecasting and variance analysis skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've handled financial models and what insights you've drawn from them. This role is all about numbers, so showing your confidence with them will impress the interviewers.
✨Understand the Franchise Model
Since this position involves working closely with franchise partners, it’s crucial to understand how franchise fee structures and revenue streams work. Do some research on the company’s franchise model and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to its financial performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Modelling
Get familiar with sensitivity and scenario modelling techniques. Think of a few scenarios that could impact financial performance and how you would approach them. Being able to demonstrate your strategic thinking in this area will show that you're ready for the challenges of the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to explain complex financial insights to non-finance stakeholders, so practice simplifying your explanations. Use clear, straightforward language and think of examples where you’ve successfully communicated financial information in the past. This will highlight your ability to bridge the gap between finance and operations.
