Full job descriptionHarper May is working with a founder-led retail group operating across 50+ stores and a growing online channel. The business has scaled significantly over the past three years through organic growth and targeted acquisition, and is now moving beyond founder-heavy finance into a more structured operating model. Senior leadership is expanding, systems are maturing, and the business needs a Financial Controller who can build rigorous reporting infrastructure while staying commercially sharp in a multi-channel environment.
The Role
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will own the day-to-day finance function, including statutory reporting, management accounts, internal controls, and oversight of a small finance team. This is a hands-on technical role combined with commercial partnership-you will support margin analysis, inventory working capital, cash forecasting, and provide insight to the board as the business navigates expansion and investment decisions.
*Produce monthly management accounts and board packs with clear insight into store and channel performance
*Own budget preparation, monthly reforecasting, and variance analysis to guide planning cycles
*Maintain and strengthen month-end close processes, including reconciliations, accruals, and supporting documentation
*Monitor cash flow and working capital metrics (stock, payables, receivables) on a weekly and monthly basis
*Lead tax compliance (VAT, corporation tax, payroll) and manage external audit relationships
*Build financial controls and governance protocols as the business scales
*Line manage and develop finance team members
What we are looking for
*Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with solid experience as a Financial Controller or Senior Accountant in retail, hospitality, or distribution
*Proven track record building and improving close processes and financial controls in a multi-unit or multi-channel environment
*Strong Excel skills and comfort with financial modelling and scenario analysis
*Experience managing a small finance team and supporting less experienced colleagues
*Commercial mindset-you understand margin, inventory, and cash as levers, not just numbers
*Able to prioritise and remain organised during busy trading periods