Responsible to: Head of Reporting – Europe
Department: Finance
Location: Bury, Gtr Manchester. BL9 8RR
Role overview:
As the Financial Controller, you will play a key role in the Europe reporting team across financial reporting, controls & governance, external audits whilst supporting the Finance Transformation programme. This role requires excellent financial management skills, collaboration with cross-functional teams whilst ensuring sound financial decisions are made across the business.
You will work closely with the UK & ROI Reporting team, Group Reporting team, Internal Controls team, Europe Commercial Finance team, our external auditors (Deloitte) and the Finance Transformation team.
You will lead a team of 9 people (3 direct reports) and play an active role in supporting your team’s continuous professional development.
Key duties & responsibilities:
• Leadership and Management:
o Lead and manage the team, overseeing all aspects of financial reporting and encouraging continuous improvements across the team.
• Financial Reporting:
o Develop processes and a team structure to delivery accurate results within the group reporting deadlines.
• Controls & Governance:
o Play a key role in implementing the Group Internal Controls programme and developing operational controls on a timely basis.
• Balance Sheet Reconciliation:
o Review current processes and implement plans to improve the Balance Sheet Reconciliation process in line with the Group Internal Controls requirements.
• Audit:
o Work closely with the external audit teams to ensure that the audits are managed and are on plan per the required timescales.
• Collaboration with specialist Finance Teams:
o Work closely with specialist Finance teams (Shared Service Centre, Distribution, Digital, Property) to deliver a coherent Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet.
• Budget and Forecast Management:
o Work closely with the Commercial Finance team to understand performance vs plan and provide insight to Budget and Forecast processes.
• Team Culture and Development:
o Embed a team culture aligned with the Group’s core values.
o Support the continuous development of your team.
• Financial Transformation:
o Influence in the implementation of financial systems, processes, and controls to improve efficiency and accuracy.
This role requires a blend of financial expertise, leadership, and effective communication to drive successful outcomes within the Reporting Finance team.
Skills/Experience/Knowledge required:
• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or Equivalent):
o Possess a recognized accounting qualification with a minimum of 5 years of post- qualification experience in a senior commercial finance role.
• Industry Expertise (Retail or Fashion):
o Ideally, have experience in the retail or fashion industry.
• Financial Acumen:
o Strong knowledge of accounting principles, standards, and practices.
o Proficiency in using financial software, systems, and tools.
• Analytical and Communication Skills:
o Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
o Attention to detail and effective communication skills with your team, senior management and Group departments
• Leadership and Team Development:
o Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Time Management and Resilience:
o Comfortable working under pressure, meeting tight deadlines, and managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Passion for Sports Fashion:
o Enthusiasm for the sports fashion industry and awareness of its trends.
• Positive Attitude and Drive:
o Exhibit positivity, enthusiasm, resilience, and a proactive approach to challenges.
These competencies will contribute to success in the role and drive impactful outcomes.
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