Financial Controller

Harper May is working with a founder-led retail group operating across 40 stores and a growing online channel. The business has maintained consistent profitability through multiple economic cycles and is now at a stage where stronger financial infrastructure is needed to support expansion into new markets and categories. The finance function sits at the centre of this growth, and they are now seeking a Financial Controller to establish rigorous reporting discipline and provide the commercial insight that board and operations require.

The Role Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, you will own all aspects of financial reporting, control frameworks, and compliance. You will lead a small finance team, manage month-end delivery, and partner closely with operations and merchandising to drive performance visibility and working capital efficiency. The role demands both technical depth and commercial awareness in a trading environment where decisions move iver accurate, timely management accounts and board reporting aligned to business cycles and trading calendar Build and maintain the budget, reforecast, and planning cycle to reflect strategic priorities Oversee accounting policies, revenue recognition, and inventory valuation to ensure consistency and compliance Monitor cash flow, payables, receivables, and stock turns to optimise working capital Lead tax, payroll, and statutory compliance, including preparation for year-end audit Establish and embed financial controls across stores, head office, and digital operations Develop and mentor finance team members What we are looking for ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with demonstrated experience as Financial Controller in retail, hospitality, or consumer goods Strong technical accounting knowledge and ability to manage multi-site or multi-channel financial reporting Proficiency in spreadsheet modelling and reporting systems Track record of building financial discipline and control environments Ability to communicate financial results clearly to non-finance stakeholders and senior leaders Organised and resilient in a fast-moving commercial environment