At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team and manage financial reporting for a fast-growing brand.
- Company: Join Popeyes, one of Europe's fastest-growing restaurant brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Inclusive culture where everyone can be their true self.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Popeyes while developing your finance leadership skills.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with strong finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Popeyes is growing fast, and we are on the hunt for a Financial Controller to lead our Financial Control function across our UK and Ireland businesses.
As our Financial Controller, you’ll be at the heart of a high‑growth, high‑energy brand, leading a talented finance team and building the controls, processes and reporting needed to support our next stage of growth.
This is a brilliant opportunity for a hands‑on finance leader who loves developing people, improving ways of working and making things happen at pace.
You’ll work closely with the Finance Director, taking ownership of the day‑to‑day finance function while helping shape a scalable, efficient and well‑controlled finance operation for one of the fastest‑growing restaurant brands in Europe.
What you’ll do here
- Lead, coach and develop the Financial Control team, creating a high‑performing, supportive and accountable finance function
- Own the month‑end and year‑end close process across the UK and Ireland, ensuring accurate, timely and well‑controlled financial reporting
- Oversee monthly management accounts, balance sheet control, statutory reporting, audit and tax compliance
- Strengthen financial controls, governance and processes so the finance function can scale with the business
- Take ownership of finance systems and drive improvements that simplify, automate and standardise ways of working
- Partner with teams across the business to support restaurant operations, new openings, system implementations and key finance projects
- Provide high‑quality insight and support to the Finance Director on strategic initiatives and business priorities
What we’re looking for
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified accountant
- Strong experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role, ideally within multi‑site retail, hospitality or leisure
- Proven experience leading month‑end, year‑end, statutory reporting, audit and tax processes
- Strong technical accounting knowledge, including FRS102, financial controls and balance sheet ownership
- Experience leading, coaching and developing finance teams
- A continuous improvement mindset, with experience improving processes, systems and controls
- Strong analytical skills, advanced Excel capability and confidence working with finance systems, ideally Sage Intacct
- Comfortable working at pace in a high‑growth, entrepreneurial environment
Who you’ll be
- A confident finance leader who loves bringing out the best in their team
- Energised by pace, growth and the chance to build something brilliant
- Highly organised, detail‑focused and proud of getting the numbers right
- A natural coach who creates clarity, accountability and momentum
- Proactive, resilient and solution‑focused
- Confident working cross‑functionally with stakeholders at all levels
- Passionate about improving processes and building scalable ways of working
- Comfortable taking ownership, solving problems and making decisions
- Excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of Popeyes UK and Ireland
Our benefits
- A competitive salary
- Flexible working
- Private healthcare
- Life Assurance
- Career progression opportunities
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Birthday day off
- Benefits platform, including cycle to work and gym discounts
- Enhanced parental leave
• Free chicken!
Inclusivity and respect are at the heart of all we do.
Popeyes is a place where everyone can be their true self, and everyone belongs.
That’s why we assess each application on the ability to do the job and nothing else.
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Financial Controller in London employer: Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK&I
Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK&I in Eastbourne is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises team development and guest satisfaction. With competitive benefits including performance bonuses and private healthcare, employees are encouraged to grow within the company while enjoying a dynamic environment that values high standards and compliance. Join us to lead, grow, and own the guest experience in a fast-paced setting where your contributions truly matter.
Contact Details:
Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK&I Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK&I. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK&I.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK&I. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK&I and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK&I how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK&I
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK&I.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Popeyes Louisiana Chicken UK&I's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
