Harper May is partnering with a well-established and growing retail group who is seeking a commercially minded Financial Controller to lead the finance function. With a strong presence across physical and online channels, the business is poised for continued growth and requires a finance leader to support operational performance and strategic development.

Role Overview:
The Financial Controller will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial management, including reporting, budgeting, and controls. Working closely with senior leadership, you will help drive business performance by delivering actionable financial insight, improving internal processes, and ensuring financial integrity across multiple revenue streams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning across stores and online operations

• Maintain robust financial controls and ensure compliance with statutory obligations

• Manage and develop the finance team, ensuring high-quality output and continuous improvement

• Liaise with external auditors and manage the year-end audit process

• Provide financial insight to support commercial decisions, pricing strategies, and stock planning

• Identify opportunities for process and system improvements across finance operations

• Support reporting and KPI tracking for senior stakeholders and the Board

Key Requirements:

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified with relevant post-qualified experience

• Prior experience in a retail, consumer goods, or multi-site business is highly desirable

• Strong technical accounting knowledge and commercial finance capabilities

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence non-finance stakeholders

• Hands-on approach and confident managing both strategic projects and day-to-day operations

• Advanced Excel skills and experience with retail-focused finance systems (e.g. Sage, NetSuite, or similar)