Experienced Financial Controller Needed for Clothing Company

***Please read carefully before submitting your application.***

THE ROLE

The Financial Controller will lead the finance operations including daily operational bookkeeping, financial controls, HMRC filings, management reporting, and budgeting/forecasting. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in corporate strategic planning – creating a financial plan, identifying financial opportunities and risks, driving an internal control strategy, and producing up to date management accounts and cash flow forecasts. This is an exciting opportunity to create and implement a strategy of high quality financial controlling processes throughout a growing multi-channel retailer, directly impacting its trajectory and growth plans. As the company grows, the Financial Controller will be expected to onboard a bookkeeper to manage day-to-day accounting work.


RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting & Financial Controls
• Manage Accounts Receivable across all selling channels including a daily sales and payment reconciliation
• Manage Accounts Payable including payment terms negotiation and discounts
• Reconcile Bank accounts and loans
• Manage the Chart of Accounts
• Manage the month end closing process ensuring compliance with GAAP
• Manage the payroll (including the annual leave calendar) and pension programme
• Design, review and maintain internal control systems including policies and procedures taking responsibility for the efficiency and stability of all finance operations

HMRC/Company Filings
• Prepare annual statutory unaudited accounts and corporation tax computation
• File abbreviated accounts and tax return
• Prepare and file quarterly VAT returns
• Manage Office of the National Statistics monthly submissions as required

Management Reporting & Financial Analysis
• Prepare monthly management accounts/financial statements including P&L reports by sales channel, ensuring completeness and accuracy of all financial records
• Present action plans to the Board based on monthly reporting
• Achieve all finance team KPIs

Budgeting/Forecasting
• Prepare annual budget forecast
• Facilitate budget process overseeing scheduling and holding each P&L manager accountable
• Manage cash flow projections and monitor bank balance (weekly)
• Process director-led capital requests
• Negotiate key operating contracts (utilities, telecoms, insurance, merchant services)


JOB REQUIREMENTS

• A fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with a degree in accounting/finance and a minimum of 2 years’ financial controlling experience, preferably in eCommerce or retail
• Xero certification is required and experience with Receipt Bank, Float and/or Shopify are a plus
• Interested in working in an SME with all-round finance experience
• Perfect spoken and written English with an excellent eye for detail


TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Subscription to a reliable, high-speed, hard-wired internet connection.
2. Must have a back-up connection and PC to avoid delays, late or absences because of PC crashing or Internet connection problems.


If you are what we are looking for, please send us a link to your application with your cover letter, updated resume, and an audio recording answering the following:

1. How long have you been working in a home-based set-up? What are the challenges you met and how did you overcome these things?
2. Why do you think we should hire you? What are your competencies?
3. What are your experiences related to accounting and finance?
4. What are your most and least favorite features of Xero?
5. What is the biggest success that you have ever had with financial planning and risk management and how did you achieve it?

Thanks for reading!

*Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.