At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the financial accounting function and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
- Company: Join Topps Group, a dynamic market leader in retail with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive bonus, flexible working, and generous staff discounts.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial governance and drive results in a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant (ACA) with 5+ years PQE and strong technical expertise.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
There’s plenty about Topps Group that might surprise you. Like the scale of our Support Office in Leicester. We have Finance, Marketing, Buying, Central Operations, HR, Property, Customer Service and IT all under one roof. Tight-knit teams of talented people working together and working hard to get things done and drive results. But then, would you expect anything less from an ambitious, dynamic, market-leading, multi-million-pound retail business? After delivering our 20% market share goal of “one in five” in 2023, we have launched our new goal – Mission 365 – targeting £365 million of sales.
We are currently recruiting for a Financial Controller to lead and strengthen the Group’s financial accounting function. In this pivotal role, you’ll oversee statutory reporting, consolidation, audit, tax, treasury, and property accounting, ensuring accuracy across areas such as corporation tax, VAT, and cash forecasting. With a strong focus on governance, you’ll embed effective financial controls and maintain compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements, safeguarding the integrity of financial reporting.
You’ll lead and develop the financial accounting, transactional, and credit control teams, driving high performance and setting clear standards for excellence. Taking ownership of the external audit process, you’ll work closely with auditors to deliver a smooth and efficient year-end, while also supporting Board and Audit Committee reporting and engaging with senior stakeholders. Partnering with the CFO, Director of Commercial Finance, and FP&A, you’ll ensure the finance function delivers timely, high-quality insight.
You’ll oversee period-end close and statutory reporting, maintaining full visibility of balance sheet risks and opportunities, while fostering strong collaboration across teams. In addition, you’ll ensure transactional finance runs effectively, supporting cash flow and working capital performance, and contribute to strategic initiatives, including acquisitions. You’ll also play a key role in enhancing the Group’s control environment—proactively identifying and managing risk, strengthening core financial processes, and ensuring Group policies are consistently applied.
Working closely with auditors and external partners, you’ll help drive best practice and support a culture of strong governance, accountability, and continuous improvement across the finance function. We are looking for a highly capable and qualified accountant (ideally ACA, with 5+ years PQE) who brings strong technical expertise and a deep understanding of financial accounting standards. You’ll combine this with excellent communication skills, confidently engaging both one-to-one and in group settings, and demonstrating proven experience operating at a senior level while leading and managing teams day to day.
A solid working knowledge of accounting systems—including general ledger, purchase and sales ledger, bank reconciliations, and EDI—is essential, alongside a strong grasp of core finance processes such as balance sheet reconciliations, tax, treasury, FX planning, and cash and working capital management. You’ll also bring experience of external audit, an understanding of the wider regulatory environment (including corporation tax, PAYE, VAT, statutory accounts, and PLC reporting requirements), and a track record of contributing to the production of year-end reports and accounts, including published “glossy” reports.
In a culture where hard work is recognised and great results are rewarded; you can look forward to a company bonus that will give you a share of our success (up to 30% of your base salary). Then there’s a company car/car allowance, private medical, generous staff discount, pension and life assurance, a holiday allowance that increases with length of service and a wide range of other benefits. Plus, flexible working, free on-site parking, generous discounts on products and services and more. A lot more. We’re committed to promoting talent from within too, which means you’ll be well-supported to build a rewarding career with an individual development plan and lots of training on offer.
At Topps Group we believe that diversity isn’t just a box to tick. We are committed to creating an authentic ‘One Topps’ culture, where our colleagues feel included and supported regardless of who they are or where they are from. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know—we’re here to support you. Join us in shaping a culture where inclusion is more than a policy—it’s a daily practice.
Group Financial Controller in Coventry employer: Topps Group
Topps Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and ambitious work environment in Leicester, where diverse teams collaborate to drive results. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides generous benefits including a performance-based bonus, flexible working arrangements, and extensive training opportunities, all while fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Join us to be part of a market-leading retail business that values hard work and rewards success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Controller in Coventry
✨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 Topps Group. 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 Group Financial Controller in Coventry
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 Topps Group.
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 Topps Group'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 Topps Group
✨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 Topps Group.
✨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 Topps Group 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 Topps Group 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.