At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented finance team and oversee financial reporting for Popeyes UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join the fast-growing, high-energy brand of Popeyes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Inclusive culture where everyone can be their true self.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Popeyes while developing your finance leadership skills.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with experience in financial control roles.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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 will 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.
The role sits within Finance, reports to the Finance Director, and is based at HQ.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
About you
- 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.
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.
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!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Financial Controller employer: The Popeyes
Popeyes in Worcester is an exceptional employer that values its team members by offering a vibrant work culture and a range of fantastic benefits, including free chicken on shift and generous meal discounts. With clear pathways for career progression and a commitment to making every day enjoyable for both employees and guests, joining our team means being part of a dynamic environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨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 The Popeyes. 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
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 The Popeyes.
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 The Popeyes'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 The Popeyes
✨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 The Popeyes.
✨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 The Popeyes 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 The Popeyes 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.
