EMEA Controller/ Finance Director in Harrow

SKIMS is a solutions‑oriented brand creating the next generation of underwear, loungewear, and shapewear. We are setting new standards by providing high‑quality essentials for everybody. With a focus on innovation, comfort, and elevated design, SKIMS is revolutionizing categories and redefining the future of modern apparel. This is a hybrid position that requires three days per week in our central London office.

We are seeking an experienced EMEA Controller to oversee regional financial operations, ensure compliance with local statutory requirements, and support SKIMS’ continued international growth. This role will be the senior finance lead for our EMEA business, owning accounting operations, statutory reporting, audits, financial controls, and cross‑functional alignment with the Global Finance organization. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in regional controllership, multi‑entity oversight, international accounting standards, and building scalable processes across a fast‑growing, high‑volume business. This individual will play a critical role in establishing the financial foundation for SKIMS’ expanding retail footprint and corporate operations across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all accounting operations for EMEA, including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll accounting, inventory accounting, treasury and cash management, oversight of foreign currency exposure, and month‑end close.
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and integrity of financial information.
• Oversee EMEA financial systems, process design, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Own statutory reporting across all EMEA entities, ensuring compliance with local GAAP/IFRS, tax regulations, and all local and statutory filing deadlines.
• Consolidate monthly actual and forecast performance reporting activities; prepare and review various reports on a monthly basis; develop performance period‑to‑period comparisons.
• Manage annual statutory audits with regional audit partners; ensure timely and accurate audit completion.
• Partner with external advisors to manage VAT, corporate tax, and other region‑specific compliance needs.
• Collaborate closely with the Global Finance, FP&A, Tax, Retail, Operations, HR, Legal, and Supply Chain teams to ensure seamless alignment between regional and global processes.
• Support retail expansion (stores, concessions, franchise partners) with financial governance, controls, and operational readiness.
• Partner with Planning and FP&A teams to validate forecasting inputs, inventory accuracy, and financial implications of business decisions.
• Support the establishment and setup of new EMEA entities, including banking, controls, tax structure, and financial operations.
• Build and optimize financial workflows that support rapid growth across markets.
• Evaluate and implement new tools, systems, and reporting improvements to drive efficiency and transparency.
• Hire, develop, and manage local regional finance talent as the team grows.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to executive leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Maintain a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• 10+ years of progressive accounting or controllership experience, ideally within retail, consumer products, or high‑growth global organizations.
• Fully qualified accountant (CA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of EMEA statutory requirements, local GAAPs/IFRS, VAT, and tax frameworks.
• Experience managing global consolidations, intercompany accounting, multi‑entity, multi‑currency operations.
• Proven track record of leading financial audits and implementing strong internal controls.
• Strong systems and ERP experience such as NetSuite and advanced Excel knowledge.

Soft Skills & Attributes

• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to operate in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Ability to work with large volumes of data, summarise and present in a concise, meaningful way.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Collaborative and confident partnering with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams.
• Adaptable, solutions‑oriented, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a high‑growth business.
• Passionate about building efficient, scalable systems and elevating financial excellence across the region.

Job Benefits

• Competitive bonus
• Private medical insurance
• Group life insurance
• Income protection
• Critical illness cover
• Pension scheme
• Benefits and financial wealth management
• Discounts

Seniority Level: Executive

Employment Type: Full‑time

Job Function: Accounting, Auditing and Finance

Industry: Retail apparel and fashion