Financial Controller (International) in Cheshire

OTTO JAMES CONSULTING Executive Services has been exclusively selected to support a £180 million t/o business in a Search and Selection Process for a newly created International Financial Controller position. Our client has grown their global footprint following a board level decision to target emerging European and Asia-Pac markets. This globetrotting acquisition process has now reached its climax, however it has now created a requirement for a Senior Financial Controller who will manage the M&A activities and the integration processes into my clients Spring Gardens Head Offices.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a marketing leading, highly acquisitive retail & service group. Already able to boast a reputation for class defining products and an enviable breadth of product range, the business has undertaken an aggressive M&A strategy that now sees its European turnover touch €¼bn, with over £100m coming from the UK. Positioned in this competitive but high growth sector, they have built a strong reputation for constant innovation (in both service offering and product development/range), supreme service levels and market leading technical ability. Strong commercial and entrepreneurial passion runs through the business. They have consistently grown well ahead of their competitors and are primed for continued growth and enduring success with recent investment facilitating the strategy to grow three-fold in the next 5 years before the group’s planned IPO.

This is an energised and entrepreneurial culture, which every employee works diligently to foster. They are an opportunistic growth company that delivers long-term prosperity to customers, shareholders and all employees. Career opportunities are as unlimited as any employees’ aspirations and hunger. Combining the above with leadership that has distinguished itself from competitors with quality product innovations, a lithe strategy adept at responding to marketing conditions and genuinely innovative customer service, they have employed a highly commercial approach to their entire organisation, constantly challenging the status quo for long-term benefit. This is a truly entrepreneurial environment, and increasingly so.

A key element to that growth, entrepreneurial drive and marketing positioning is the recruitment of a highly commercial European Finance Controller. The Financial Controller position is an outstanding opportunity to not only take a key role in an exciting, market defining Group, but one that offers the chance to lead a critical central-function right at the heart of the business’ performance. Reporting directly to the CEO and International Finance Director, you will take an active part on the Leadership Team and Board discussions on future growth.

• Transform financial data into commercial insights that support the CEO and Senior Leadership Team in making commercial decisions that will deliver the Company Strategy.
• Ensure total compliance with all relevant UK & European legislation.
• Management of the UK property portfolio and business leases.
• Work in partnership with the Senior Leadership Team to objectively evaluate investment projects across all functions, ensuring clear objectives, performance measurements and ROI.
• Work in partnership with Sales and Marketing to create a robust forecasting process that delivers accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial predictions.
• Embed processes and protocols that drive first class cost controls across all the European business units.
• Recruit, lead and develop a highly skilled, engaged and commercially focused team that is recognised as a centre of commercial excellence by the internal customers it serves.

This is a high profile leadership position responsible for the business’s Financial and Commercial performance and growth. The appointee will have a proven Commercial Finance Leadership background within a Retail and Service business, preferably with European exposure. Experience of leading a dynamic, entrepreneurial and commercial finance function is a must in this position, as is working collaboratively with senior leadership. He/she will possess excellent interpersonal skills, be adept at mixing strategic planning & direction whilst retaining a hands-on capability, possessing strong process management abilities, and be a robust decision-maker and a ‘finisher’. The role involves providing strategic and operational leadership as well as practical support not only to the Commercial and Finance functions, but also to the business as a whole.

The successful candidate will have strong influencing skills and be able to put across his or her ideas and views clearly to both peers, team members and the fellow members of the Leadership Team. In addition, he/she will have strong communication skills and be capable of liaising with a broad cross-section of departments, skillsets and capability levels to discuss all matters financial, particularly to assist the compilation of, and adherence to budgets.

• Senior leadership exposure within a Commercial Finance Function.
• Professionally qualified (ACA, ACMA or ACCA).
• Cross border/European exposure would be a distinct advantage – languages not essential, but would make you stand out.
• Ability to explain financial controls and management to non-finance colleagues.
• Exceptional team player with proven ability to lead through influence.
• A strategic thinker and able to communicate effectively (both written and verbal).
• Adept at balancing intense short-term pressures with overall long-term goals.
• Experience presenting to and working with other senior management team members.
• Natural control orientation but with the ability to judge risk profile against commercial opportunity.
• Strong executive presence, polish and commercially savvy.
• First-class commercial acumen.
• Strategic thinker who challenges conventional thinking and brings new commercial ideas and concepts to the table.
• Strong influencer, able to actively listen, evaluate and influence a course of action that is right for the whole business.
• Expert relationship builder who has the confidence, courage and conviction to confront reality, challenge others and right wrongs.

£85,500 - £92,000 Salary
Generous Bonus
Strong Contributory Pension
Hybrid & flexible working (2 days work from home)
25 days annual leave + BH
Private medical cover