At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure compliance across UK and European markets.
- Company: Join a global fashion retailer with a rich heritage and international presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal role that drives financial strategy and supports exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Must be ACCA/CIMA/CA qualified with 8+ years in a senior finance role.
- Other info: Experience in fashion or retail is a plus; strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Watford
Reporting To: Chief Financial Officer
Fully qualified ACCA / CIMA / CA
Experience: Minimum 8 years UK experience in a senior finance role.
Our client, a global fashion retailer with strong heritage and international reach, is looking for an experienced and commercially sharp Group Financial Controller. The role spans UK and European markets with multi-currency financial responsibilities. You will lead a skilled team and play a pivotal role in ensuring financial rigour, cross-border compliance, and forward-looking commercial insight.
- Group Financial Accounting
- Manage the full financial accounting cycle.
- Lead statutory reporting and liaison with external auditors.
- Oversee the preparation and review of trial balances, journal entries, and reconciliations.
- Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards (UK GAAP/IFRS).
- Produce group-level management accounts and board packs with analysis and insights.
- Partner with business unit heads to monitor KPIs, margins, and cost controls.
- Conduct variance analysis and support functional leaders in driving financial accountability.
- Support the CFO in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning activities.
- Prepare royalty reporting and commercial analysis for brand partners.
- Monitor working capital performance across entities, including stock ageing and receivables.
- Oversee credit control function, ensure timely collection of debts and credit risk management.
- Supervise and review stock costing reports and inventory valuations.
- Lead reconciliation processes for Invoice Finance and Trade Finance with banking partners.
- Oversee payroll preparation, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and coordination with HR.
- Reconcile payroll to general ledger and manage related reporting requirements.
- Ensure timely fulfilment of all statutory financial and tax filings.
- Liaise with external advisors on VAT, corporation tax, and regulatory compliance.
- Act as a key business partner to the CFO in setting financial strategy and operational priorities.
- Lead or contribute to finance transformation initiatives including systems and process upgrades.
- Provide risk assessment and scenario modelling to support high-level decision-making.
- Represent finance in strategic projects, M&A activity, and cross-functional initiatives.
Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Group FC in a multi-entity, fast-moving business.
Strong technical accounting knowledge and hands-on experience with consolidations.
Experience working with senior stakeholders and external auditors.
Experience in fashion, retail, or FMCG is highly desirable.
Excellent Excel skills and proficiency in financial systems (e.g. Sage, SAP, or similar).
Dutch speaking Financial Administrator employer: Provallar Executive Search
Contact Detail:
Provallar Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Dutch speaking Financial Administrator
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the fashion and retail sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into the company or role you're interested in.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in financial management within the fashion industry. Being able to discuss current challenges and innovations during interviews can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your leadership skills and experience managing teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team through financial challenges or transformations, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company's financial performance and recent news. Showing that you understand their business model and financial landscape will help you make a strong impression during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Dutch speaking Financial Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in financial administration, particularly in multi-entity environments. Emphasise your qualifications (ACCA/CIMA/CA) and any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the fashion retail industry and your ability to manage financial operations across UK and European markets. Mention your experience with statutory reporting and compliance, as well as your leadership skills.
Highlight Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to mention your strong technical accounting knowledge and proficiency in financial systems like Sage or SAP. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles to drive financial accountability and support strategic planning.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since the role involves leading a skilled team, include specific examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've managed teams, partnered with business unit heads, and contributed to finance transformation initiatives in your past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Provallar Executive Search
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Financial Administrator, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong technical accounting knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with UK GAAP/IFRS and any specific financial systems you've used, such as Sage or SAP. Highlighting your hands-on experience with consolidations will also set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex financial situations. Prepare examples from your past experience where you successfully managed financial challenges, conducted variance analysis, or supported strategic planning activities. This will showcase your commercial insight and decision-making capabilities.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves leading a skilled team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've effectively managed teams in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration, ensured compliance, and driven financial accountability within your team.
✨Research the Company and Industry
Familiarise yourself with the global fashion retailer's market position, recent developments, and challenges in the industry. Understanding their business model and financial landscape will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.