At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure compliance while managing a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join Pernod Ricard, a global leader in wines and spirits with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to work with iconic brands.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a diverse and passionate team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the financial landscape of a top spirits company.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with leadership experience and strong financial reporting skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Job Type: Fixed Term Contract (Maternity cover starting end of August/ Sept 2026)
Location: Chiswick, London
Reporting Line: Finance & Operations Director
We are Pernod Ricard, a leading company in the global wines and spirits industry with over 18,000 employees globally. We own 16 of the world’s top 100 Spirits Brands and hold one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry with 240 premium brands available in over 160 countries.
This position sits in our Pernod Ricard UK (PRUK) business responsible for marketing, selling and distributing our products in the UK. Our diverse population of 250+ passionate employees have been creating conviviality since 2001, bringing our premium brands and unforgettable experiences to the UK.
About the role:
We are now seeking a Financial Services Director (1 year Maternity Cover) to report to the Finance & Operations Director. Within this role, you will manage the company’s financial accounting, reporting and working capital, ensuring the company operates with structured but efficient processes complying with Pernod Ricard financial calendar & internal control / risk management rules, International Accounting Standard, as well as UK legislation.
In addition, you will support the company strategic agenda through internal & Group exercise / technology / operating model evolution roadmap, either directly on projects in the Finance / Operations area or indirectly in the wider company roadmap definition & support in other projects.
What's involved?
- Management of core financial processes and systems:
- Accounts payable and receivables, including oversight of outsourced team (QX).
- Credit control and factoring.
- Balance sheet and P&L reporting (statutory and below PRO).
- Day to day management of core systems and related transformation projects to meet changing business requirements.
- Working capital / cashflow management:
- Manage cashflow and deliver cash targets for the Group.
- Drive cashflow improvements and help build a cash culture in the business.
- Management of treasury and banking processes.
- Compliance, governance and internal control:
- Take responsibility for the compliance of PR UK with internal & external jurisdiction: Group internal audit, external financial auditors, tax / HMRC, risk management, quality & security (ISO), assets protection & securisation rules.
- Management of external audit relationship.
- Ensure robust internal controls in place to protect company assets and to mitigate against fraud and other risks and maintain business processes and policies.
- Ensure the existence of clear & documented business processes covering financial, operational & key business processes, including clear & shared DoA rules.
- Delivery of LSF (French Financial Security Law) and SAPIN II (Internal Control) and follow up on remediation plans.
- Leadership and development of team and wider finance function through line management and training.
Your skills and experience:
- Qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with senior leadership experience managing mid-size teams (~5+ people), preferably in W&S industry or Multinational FMCG.
- Strong expertise in financial reporting (particularly Cash and Balance sheet) and compliance to all applicable UK and international standards (accounting / IFRS, internal control requirements & UK law).
- Proven track record in financial control, governance, audit, and risk management frameworks.
- Experience leading a team during major finance transformation projects (ERP system upgrade – preferably SAP).
- Demonstrated ability to lead and keep teams highly motivated through a challenging environment / period of change.
- Highly effective stakeholder management with the ability to become a trusted advisor, influence senior leadership and broader teams in finance and other departments.
Financial Services Director - UK Finance Lead (Maternity) employer: Pernod Ricard España SA
Pernod Ricard is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Chiswick, London, where over 250 passionate employees thrive in a diverse environment. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for professional advancement while ensuring a supportive atmosphere that fosters creativity and collaboration. Join us to be part of a leading global company in the wines and spirits industry, where your contributions will help shape unforgettable experiences for our customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Services Director - UK Finance Lead (Maternity)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance industry, especially those who have experience with Pernod Ricard or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Pernod Ricard's values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills align with their mission and how you can contribute to their financial goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in financial reporting and compliance clearly and confidently. We want to hear how you've tackled challenges in previous roles and what makes you the perfect fit for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Pernod Ricard family.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Services Director - UK Finance Lead (Maternity)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Services Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial reporting and compliance, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this maternity cover position. Share specific examples of your past achievements in finance and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Team Leadership:Since this role involves managing a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated teams during challenging times and any successful projects you've led. We love seeing candidates who can inspire others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pernod Ricard España SA
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Services Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and compliance. Brush up on key financial metrics, especially around cash flow and balance sheets, and be ready to discuss how you've managed these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you navigated them while keeping your team engaged.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with Pernod Ricard’s brand portfolio and the UK spirits market. Being able to discuss how your financial strategies can support their business goals will show that you’re not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of compliance in this role, review relevant regulations like IFRS and UK law. Be ready to discuss your experience with internal controls and audits, and how you’ve ensured compliance in your previous positions.
