At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure compliance with internal controls and reporting standards.
- Company: Join Pernod Ricard, a global leader in wines and spirits with a diverse portfolio.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead transformation projects and develop a motivated finance team.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a key role within a prestigious company in the spirits industry.
- 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 (preferably with knowledge of French financial security law and SAPIN II but not a must).
- 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 in London 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, the company provides opportunities for professional advancement while fostering a collaborative atmosphere that encourages innovation and creativity. As a leader in the global wines and spirits industry, Pernod Ricard not only offers competitive benefits but also the unique advantage of being part of a prestigious brand portfolio, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Services Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and operations sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Pernod Ricard and its financial practices. Understand their brand portfolio and recent developments in the industry. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Financial Services Director role. Highlight your leadership skills and any relevant transformation projects you've led.
✨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 you’re serious about joining the Pernod Ricard team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Services Director in London
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, compliance, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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 position. Share specific examples of your achievements in financial management and how you can contribute to our team at Pernod Ricard.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: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 led successful finance transformation projects. We love seeing strong leaders!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Pernod Ricard!
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 and internal controls in this role, expect questions around governance and risk management. Have examples ready that illustrate your experience with audits, compliance frameworks, and how you've ensured adherence to financial regulations.