Group Financial Controller

Group Financial Controller Location: Watford Reporting To: Chief Financial Officer Salary: EXCELLENT benefits Qualification: Fully qualified ACCA / CIMA / CA Experience: Minimum 8 years UK experience in a senior finance role. Overview Our client, a global fashion retailer with strong heritage and international reach, is looking for an experienced and commercially sharp Group Financial Controller. This is a high-impact leadership role within a well-established, design-led business known for its strong international presence. The role spans UK and European markets with multi-currency financial responsibilities. You will lead a skilled team and play a pivotal role in ensuring financial rigour, cross-border compliance, and forward-looking commercial insight Key Responsibilities Group Financial Accounting Manage the full financial accounting cycle. Ensure timely, accurate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes. Lead statutory reporting and liaison with external auditors. Oversee the preparation and review of trial balances, journal entries, and reconciliations. Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards (UK GAAP/IFRS). Group Management Reporting & Business Partnering Produce group-level management accounts and board packs with analysis and insights. Partner with business unit heads to monitor KPIs, margins, and cost controls. Conduct variance analysis and support functional leaders in driving financial accountability. Support the CFO in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning activities. Prepare royalty reporting and commercial analysis for brand partners. Sales Ledger, Stock & Working Capital Monitor working capital performance across entities, including stock ageing and receivables. Oversee credit control function, ensure timely collection of debts and credit risk management. Supervise and review stock costing reports and inventory valuations. Lead reconciliation processes for Invoice Finance and Trade Finance with banking partners. Payroll & Compliance Oversee payroll preparation, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and coordination with HR. Reconcile payroll to general ledger and manage related reporting requirements. Ensure timely fulfilment of all statutory financial and tax filings. Liaise with external advisors on VAT, corporation tax, and regulatory compliance. Strategic Support to CFO Act as a key business partner to the CFO in setting financial strategy and operational priorities. Support investor reporting, board-level communications, and presentations. Lead or contribute to finance transformation initiatives including systems and process upgrades. Provide risk assessment and scenario modelling to support high-level decision-making. Represent finance in strategic projects, M&A activity, and cross-functional initiatives. What We’re Looking For Proven experience as a Financial Controller or Group FC in a multi-entity, fast-moving business. Strong technical accounting knowledge and hands-on experience with consolidations. Experience working with senior stakeholders and external auditors. Able to drive process improvement and systems optimisation. Strong leadership and team development skills. Experience in fashion, retail, or FMCG is highly desirable. Excellent Excel skills and proficiency in financial systems (e.g. Sage, SAP, or similar).

Location: Watford, GB

Posted Date: 6/18/2025