At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow management for retail clients.
- Company: Join a dynamic SME-focused finance team in London.
- Benefits: Earn £38 per hour with flexible part-time hours and client engagement.
- Other info: Work onsite with clients, build relationships, and enjoy a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on retail businesses while developing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with retail finance experience and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 38 - 38 £ per hour.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded
Financial Controller with strong retail sector experience to support an SME owner-managed retail 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.
Initially, the successful candidate will be assigned to one retail client
, working 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 retail 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 South) 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 South)
✨Connect with Campus Reps
If you're looking for part-time work in banking, try to connect with your university's career services and campus representatives from banks. They often host recruitment events or provide exclusive job listings, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Get Involved in Financial Societies
Join finance or investment clubs at your university. These societies not only provide fantastic networking opportunities but also often collaborate with financial institutions for internships or part-time roles, making it easier for us to land those positions.
✨Use LinkedIn for Hidden Gems
Keep an eye on LinkedIn for part-time opportunities at banks, specifically targeting roles like customer service or administrative support. Companies like YRH Finance Team often post openings there first, so be on the lookout and don’t forget to engage with their content!
✨Showcase Your Skills Directly
When applying for a part-time role, consider creating a simple portfolio that highlights your finance-related skills or projects. Whether it's a personal finance blog, a financial analysis you've done, or any relevant coursework, having this ready can impress hiring managers at YRH Finance Team.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller (London South)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In the banking and financial services world, it's all about numbers. Highlight any relevant coursework, grades, or certifications, like AAT or CFA, on your CV. If you can point to specific projects or tasks where you managed finances or analysed data, that's a big plus!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Us:When writing your cover letter, don’t just reiterate your CV. Tell us why you want to work at YRH Finance Team and how this part-time role fits into your career goals. Map your skills and experiences directly to the job spec, and don’t forget to weave in any technical skills you have, like experience with financial software!
Marry Experience with Availability:Since this is part-time, it’s super important to state your availability clearly in your application. Highlight any previous work experience, even if it's not directly in finance, that shows your reliability and ability to juggle various commitments. Flexibility can be a real asset!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While you want to keep a professional tone, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your application. Especially for a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who's not just skilled but also a good fit for the team at YRH Finance Team. A little light-heartedness can go a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at YRH Finance Team
✨Brush Up on Your Numbers
For a role in banking and financial services, you’ll likely encounter numerical tests that gauge your analytical skills. So, let’s whip out those maths skills! Practise mental arithmetic and get comfy with basic financial concepts; this'll really help you shine during the assessment stages.
✨Know Your Financial Products
Knowing your stuff about the various financial products and services is crucial. Be prepared to discuss topics like loans, mortgages, investment funds, and credit options. Having a finger on the pulse of current market trends and economic events can also give you an edge—the interviewers will appreciate your insight!
✨Flexibility and Commitment are Key
Since you're aiming for a part-time position, emphasise your flexibility and willingness to commit your time effectively. Highlight your ability to balance studies or other commitments while delivering results at work. This kind of attitude can set you apart from the competition.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio of Experience
Even though it’s a part-time role, companies want to see your motivation and past experience. Bring examples of relevant projects or roles, including internships or coursework that demonstrate your understanding and passion for banking and finance. The more tangible your examples, the more convincing you’ll be!
