Group Financial Controller

Job description

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).

Extra information

Status

Closed

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Watford

Type of Contract

Casual / Part Time Jobs

Profession type

Accountancy

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English