At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control and enhance retail performance through insightful analysis.
- Company: High-growth consumer retail brand with a strong e-commerce presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on process improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role influencing commercial decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with retail or FMCG experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Our client is a high-growth consumer retail brand with a strong presence across physical retail and e-commerce. As the business continues to scale internationally, they are looking to hire a qualified Finance Manager with proven retail/consumer experience to strengthen their finance function.
This role is specifically suited to someone coming from a retail, FMCG, or consumer-facing business, who understands trading environments, stock, and margin dynamics - not just pure finance.
The RoleA hands-on Finance Manager role with ownership of core financial control, combined with a strong focus on retail performance, stock, and margin insight.
Key responsibilities:- Owning month-end close and delivering accurate, insightful management accounts
- Full balance sheet ownership, including stock, accruals, prepayments, and intercompany
- Monitoring and analysing retail KPIs (sales, gross margin, sell-through, stock turns)
- Managing cashflow and working capital, with particular focus on inventory
- Overseeing AP/AR and strengthening financial controls
- Leading VAT compliance within a retail / multi-channel environment
- Driving process improvements and automation
- Partnering with Merchandising, Commercial, and Operations teams
- Overseeing an offshore finance function
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
- Must have experience in retail, FMCG, or consumer brands
- Strong understanding of stock accounting, margins, and trading performance
- Experience managing month-end in a fast-paced, trading environment
- Confident working cross-functionally with non-finance teams
- Strong Excel skills and a track record of improving processes
- Join a scaling consumer retail brand at a pivotal growth stage.
- High visibility role with exposure to senior leadership.
- Opportunity to influence commercial decisions, not just report numbers.
- Build and improve finance processes in a growing business.
- Collaborative, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial culture.
This role requires prior experience in a retail, FMCG, or consumer-led business. Applicants without this background are unlikely to be considered.
Retail Finance Manager: Margin & Stock Lead employer: Vitae Financial Recruitment
Join a dynamic and high-growth consumer retail brand in Kensington, London, where you will play a pivotal role as a Retail Finance Manager. With a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, the company offers excellent benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to influence key commercial decisions while working closely with senior leadership. Enjoy a balanced work environment with four days in the office and one day working from home, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Vitae Financial Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Finance Manager: Margin & Stock Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s financial performance and recent news. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their business and ready to contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to stock management and margin analysis. We want you to feel confident discussing your experience and how it aligns with their needs.
✨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 that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Finance Manager: Margin & Stock Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Retail Finance Manager. Highlight your experience in retail, FMCG, or consumer brands, and showcase your understanding of stock and margin dynamics. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed month-end processes or improved financial controls in a fast-paced environment. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves monitoring and analysing retail KPIs, make sure to highlight your analytical skills in your application. Talk about how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. We love candidates who can turn numbers into insights!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our awesome team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vitae Financial Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on key financial metrics relevant to retail, like gross margin and stock turns. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in your previous roles to drive performance.
✨Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role involves working closely with non-finance teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with merchandising or operations in the past to improve financial outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Process Improvement Skills
Think about specific instances where you've driven process improvements or automation in finance. Be ready to share these stories, as they’ll show your proactive approach and ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Practice articulating how you would handle month-end close challenges or cash flow management in a retail context.
