At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic financial insight and support for SME businesses in London.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to helping SMEs thrive.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible part-time hours, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive work environment with a focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business performance while working closely with owners.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in retail finance and client management.
The predicted salary is between 38 - 38 £ per hour.
About The Role
- We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded
- Financial Controller – (London)
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded
Financial Controller to support an SME owner-managed business in London.
This is a self-employed, client-facing role requiring a hands-on finance professional who can provide strategic financial insight while ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and commercial decision support.
You will work closely with the business owner and leadership team to improve financial performance, strengthen financial controls, optimise cash flow, enhance reporting, and support growth through meaningful management information.
As the business grows, there may be opportunities to support additional clients.
A key requirement of this role is availability to work onsite with the client in London for a minimum of two days per week , building strong relationships and providing hands-on financial leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Reporting & Management Information
- Prepare and present monthly management accounts and retail-focused MI packs.
- Produce insightful financial reporting for senior leadership teams and boards.
- Analyse sales, gross margins, stock performance, and profitability across retail operations.
- Develop and monitor KPIs including sales performance, gross margin, stock turn, labor costs, and store profitability.
- Provide commercial recommendations to improve business performance and profitability.
- Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow
- Lead annual budgeting and financial planning processes.
- Prepare rolling forecasts and reforecasts.
- Develop and maintain detailed cash flow forecasts.
- Support planning through financial modelling and scenario analysis.
- Identify financial risks and commercial opportunities impacting retail performance.
- Business Partnering
- Partner closely with business owners, directors, and management teams.
- Translate financial information into practical commercial insight.
- Support strategic decision-making including pricing, stock investment, expansion, and profitability initiatives.
- Provide financial leadership to non-finance stakeholders.
- Financial Controls & Process Improvement
- Review and strengthen financial processes and internal controls.
- Ensure robust controls across stock, purchasing, cash handling, and retail operations.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.
- Implement finance best practice and support finance transformation initiatives.
- Team Leadership
- Manage, mentor, and develop small finance teams where required.
- Review the work of finance staff and maintain high standards across finance operations.
Requirements
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by experience.
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller
- Strong understanding of retail finance, including stock management, gross margin analysis, inventory control, and multi-site reporting.
- Experience supporting SME and owner-managed businesses.
- Demonstrable experience producing management information and board reporting.
- Extensive budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management experience.
- Strong understanding of financial controls and process improvement.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple client relationships.
- Available to attend client sites across London for a minimum of two days per week.
- Experience with Xero (experience with Sage and/or Quick Books would also be advantageous).
About You
- Commercially focused with a strong understanding of retail businesses.
- Comfortable working directly with business owners and leadership teams.
- Confident interpreting retail trading performance and turning financial data into commercial action.
- Proactive, organised, and solutions-focused.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Professional, credible, and adaptable.
- Enjoys building trusted relationships with clients.
- Location
- London (Client Sites Across London)
- Rate
- £38 per hour
- Engagement Type
- Self-Employed / Part-Time
- Availability Required
- Minimum 2 days per week onsite with clients across London
About Us
At The Part-Time Finance People, we're passionate about helping business owners build more profitable, scalable, and enjoyable businesses.
We go beyond traditional finance support by delivering practical, commercially focused advice that helps SMEs improve cash flow, increase profitability, and make better strategic decisions.
Our Commitment
We're proud to foster a diverse, inclusive, and supportive working environment where different perspectives are valued and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
- Please Note
- Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years' UK-based experience as a Financial Controller.
- We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas candidates.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Financial Controller (London) employer: YRH Finance Team
Join a well-established retail business in High Wycombe as a Part-Time Financial Controller, where you will play a pivotal role in the senior leadership team. This position offers flexible working hours, competitive pay, and the chance to work closely with directors while leading a dedicated finance team. With a focus on professional growth and meaningful contributions to business strategy, this role is perfect for finance professionals seeking to enhance their portfolio in a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller (London)
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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✨Get Certified
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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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller (London)
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 YRH Finance Team.
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 YRH Finance Team'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 YRH Finance Team
✨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 YRH Finance Team.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
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✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at YRH Finance Team 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 YRH Finance Team 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.
