At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial performance and growth of SEPHORA UK through insightful analysis and reporting.
- Company: Join SEPHORA UK, a dynamic leader in the beauty retail industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, competitive pay, generous discounts, and a paid day off on your birthday.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on inclusivity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team shaping the future of prestige beauty.
- Qualifications: Degree in Finance or related field; strong analytical and Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At SEPHORA UK, beauty isn’t just what we sell - it’s who we are. It’s the freedom to express yourself, the thrill of discovering something new, and the power of belonging to a community that celebrates every identity. From our beginnings in France to becoming part of the LVMH family, we’ve always pushed boundaries through creativity, innovation, and inclusivity. Today, as we continue our exciting expansion across the UK, we’re looking for passionate, driven individuals to help shape the future of prestige beauty in one of the world’s most dynamic retail markets.
This is an exciting opportunity to join SEPHORA UK as a Retail Controller, playing a key role in supporting the financial performance and growth of our Retail business. In this role, you’ll combine strong analytical expertise with a commercial mindset - helping to drive performance across our store network through financial planning, reporting and investment analysis. You’ll partner closely with Retail, Property & Development teams, turning financial data into clear insights that support decision-making, shape future growth and help bring Sephora’s expansion plans to life.
What you’ll be doing…
- Support the growth of Sephora UK by turning financial data into clear insights that shape retail performance and future profitability.
- Deliver accurate, timely financial reporting across your scope, with a focus on landlord charges, CAPEX and depreciation.
- Analyse performance against forecast and prior year, identifying risks, opportunities and key drivers across the retail estate.
- Contribute to monthly P&L reviews for senior leadership, bringing clarity and insight to performance discussions.
- Support end-to-end forecasting cycles including monthly landings, budgets, estimates, long-term planning and new store openings.
- Partner closely with finance, accounting and business teams to ensure financials are accurate, well-understood and delivered in line with Group deadlines.
- Collaborate with Retail, Property & Development teams to build financial scenarios that inform investment and growth decisions.
- Co-lead the financial evaluation of capital expenditure projects, helping shape business cases and prepare submissions to Group.
- Translate financial reporting into clear, actionable insights that enable better decision-making across the business.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, becoming a credible and supportive finance partner.
- Continuously improve financial processes, tools and ways of working to drive efficiency and stronger decision support.
- Support the Retail Finance Manager with reporting, presentations and ad hoc analysis that helps move the business forward.
What you’ll bring…
- You’ll be a commercially minded finance professional with a strong analytical foundation, great attention to detail and the confidence to work collaboratively across teams.
- A degree in Finance, Economics or Accounting, with ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent desirable.
- Proven experience in an analytical or FP&A role, ideally within a retail or multi-site environment.
- Strong Excel skills and confidence working with financial models and data.
- The ability to generate clear, meaningful insights that the business can easily understand and act on.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage priorities and work at pace to tight deadlines.
- A collaborative and credible approach, with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.
Beautiful Benefits at SEPHORA UK
- Private Healthcare, Life Assurance and Private Pension from day one.
- Competitive pay that grows with you, including annual salary reviews.
- A generous employee discount across the world’s best beauty brands.
- A paid day off on your birthday.
- Access to a wellbeing and perks platform.
- LVM Heart Fund support.
- Generous holiday allowance, with the option to buy more.
Together, we belong to something beautiful. SEPHORA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace for all. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, advancement, or other employment practices. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating and fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.
Retail Controller employer: LVMH Group
At SEPHORA UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity, inclusivity, and personal growth. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional development and meaningful contributions to our expansion in the dynamic UK retail market. With competitive benefits including private healthcare, generous discounts, and a supportive environment, SEPHORA is committed to ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like LVMH Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to LVMH Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on LVMH Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at LVMH Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with LVMH Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at LVMH Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former LVMH Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.