At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance cycle and ensure accuracy across our international business.
- Company: Join a dynamic company with a strong focus on financial integrity and team development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health benefits, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace a supportive culture that values diversity and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact as a trusted finance leader in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in management accounts and group reporting.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
End‑to‑End Ownership Across an International Business. We’re looking for a hands‑on Financial Controller to own the end-to-end finance cycle across our growing, international group. This is a senior, visible role with real responsibility – combining deep financial control, management accounting, audit delivery, systems ownership and leadership.
A little about the role: This is not a purely strategic or oversight role. You’ll be in the detail, rolling up your sleeves to ensure the numbers are right, on time, and audit‑ready – while also leading and developing a high‑performing finance team and partnering closely with senior stakeholders across the business. You’ll work closely with the Finance Director and CFO, acting as a trusted partner to leaders across the organisation, and owning financial integrity across UK and overseas entities.
What you'll do:
- You will personally own and deliver the core finance outputs for the group, while leading day‑to‑day finance operations and controls.
- Own and deliver monthly, quarterly and annual management accounts across UK and overseas entities.
- Lead the month‑end close with full P&L, balance sheet and cashflow ownership.
- Maintain robust financial controls, reconciliations and audit‑ready reporting at all times.
- Actively manage cash, working capital and short‑term cashflow forecasting.
- Lead year‑end audit, statutory accounts preparation and tax compliance end to end.
- Oversee AP, AR and payment runs, including multi‑currency operations.
- Provide hands‑on leadership to the finance team, supporting delivery and development day to day.
- Drive systems and process improvements, maximising the effectiveness of NetSuite.
- Partner with leaders and non‑finance stakeholders to translate numbers into meaningful insight.
You’ll be a visible, trusted finance leader – confident switching between detailed delivery and senior stakeholder conversations.
Requirements:
- Fully or part qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
- Proven experience owning management accounts and group reporting end to end.
- A confident people leader who also thrives in hands‑on delivery.
- Excellent Excel and financial modelling skills.
- Experience working across multiple entities and overseas operations.
- Clear, credible communicator with non‑finance stakeholders.
- NetSuite or ERP experience is highly advantageous.
Most importantly: you care deeply about accuracy, control, and delivery – and you’re happiest when you own the numbers, not just review them.
Extras:
- Flexible Working: Enjoy a hybrid work model (typically 2 days in the office) with flexibility based on business needs, plus a work from anywhere policy to give you freedom to explore.
- Time Off: 25 days annual leave (+ bank holidays), increasing with length of service, plus an extra day off for your birthday! We also operate summer hours so you can make the most of the sunshine.
- Learning & Development: Access a vast range of courses through our learning platform and benefit from structured career progression plans to support your growth.
- Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, a healthcare cash plan, and mental health support via Help@Hand. Plus, we’ll ensure you have a safe and productive home set‑up with a workspace assessment.
- Giving Back: Take paid volunteer days to support your local community, donate to your chosen charity through salary sacrifice (we’ll match it!), and make a difference with Give as You Earn.
- Extra Perks: A car purchase scheme to make buying a new car easier, plus access to additional benefits through our online platform, including gym discounts.
Our interview process typically consists of 3 stages: Skills Assessment, Values based Interview. Be your authentic self – Retail Insight is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. All employees and any job applicants will receive equal treatment. We actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and encouraged to contribute their best work.
Financial Controller in Leeds employer: Retail Insight
Contact Detail:
Retail Insight Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out before your interview. Research their financial performance, recent news, and their culture. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your financial expertise and leadership abilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep it structured and impactful.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from asking questions during the interview. It shows you're engaged and helps you understand if the role is the right fit for you. Ask about their financial systems, team dynamics, or how they measure success in the finance department.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Numbers Game: When you’re applying for the Financial Controller role, make sure to highlight your experience with management accounts and group reporting. We want to see how you've owned the numbers in previous roles, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be a People Person: This role isn’t just about crunching numbers; it’s also about leading a team. Share examples of how you’ve successfully managed and developed finance teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can balance hands-on delivery with strong leadership skills.
Tailor Your Application: Make your application stand out by tailoring it to our job description. Use the same language we do and connect your skills directly to what we’re looking for. This shows us that you really understand the role and are genuinely interested in joining our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and let us know why you’d be a great fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Retail Insight
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of financial statements and management accounts. Brush up on your P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've owned these processes in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires hands-on leadership, so be prepared to share examples of how you've led finance teams in the past. Highlight your experience in developing team members and driving performance, as well as how you’ve partnered with non-finance stakeholders to translate complex numbers into actionable insights.
✨Be Audit-Ready
Since maintaining robust financial controls is key, come equipped with examples of how you've ensured audit readiness in your previous positions. Discuss your experience with year-end audits and statutory accounts preparation, and be ready to explain how you manage compliance effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with NetSuite
If you have experience with NetSuite or other ERP systems, make sure to mention it. If not, do some research on how these systems work and be prepared to discuss how you would leverage technology to improve financial processes and reporting.