Dutch speaking Financial Administrator

Group Financial Controller 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.
Sales Ledger, Stock & Working Capital
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.
Payroll & Compliance
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).