At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing finance team while managing financial reporting and controls.
- Company: Join Popeyes, one of Europe's fastest-growing restaurant brands with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, career progression, and even free chicken!
- Other info: Recognised as one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work, promoting inclusivity and respect.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of growth, shaping the future of Popeyes in the UK and Ireland.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial leadership and a passion for team development.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 78000 £ 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.
The role sits within Finance, reports to the Finance Director, and is based at HQ.
If you’re a qualified finance leader who thrives in a fast-moving environment, enjoys leading and coaching a team, and gets excited by the opportunity to build, improve and influence, we’d love to hear from you.
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!
Popeyes UK is one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the country, recognised by the Financial Times as the #1 fastest-growing Food & Beverage company in Europe and the #2 fastest-growing company overall in the FT1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies ranking.
But our success is about more than growth—it’s about people.
That’s why we’ve been recognised as one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for two consecutive years and named among the World’s Happiest Places to Work, reflecting our commitment to creating a culture where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to thrive.
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.
Financial Controller in London employer: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
At Popeyes UK&I, we pride ourselves on being a Times Top 100 ranked company and the Happiest Place to Work, making us an exceptional employer for those looking to thrive in a dynamic environment. With competitive pay, flexible schedules, and a strong focus on employee development through our dedicated learning platform, Popeyes offers a vibrant work culture where your contributions are valued and growth opportunities abound. Join us to lead a passionate team, create memorable guest experiences, and enjoy unique perks like free meals and retail discounts while working in a fun, inclusive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in London
✨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 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. 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 Financial Controller in London
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 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
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 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen'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 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
✨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 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
✨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 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen 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 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen 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.
