This individual has shown experience of excelling in financial operations, strategic planning, and cost optimisation, demonstrating a strong ability to drive profitability and enhance processes. A Big 4 ACA-qualified finance professional, they have developed robust leadership capabilities, currently overseeing a growing finance function and delivering high-quality reporting to Board level. Their background in audit and corporate finance, combined with strong stakeholder engagement skills, positions them well for a Financial Controller or Head of Finance role, providing commercially focused insights to support business growth.  His current position is working within a retail environment and is managing 16 separate P&L’s.    This individual has been working as the Head of Finance but is looking to be a number 2 to ensure continued career development and ideally someone that he can be mentored by.

Exposure includes:

  • Full ownership of 16 P&Ls across retail stores, warehouse and head office
  • Preparation and presentation of monthly Board packs to CEO, CFO and MD
  • Leading budgeting, forecasting and reforecasting processes
  • Managing month-end close within tight reporting deadlines
  • Leading external audit process and achieving improved audit outcomes
  • Business partnering with senior stakeholders on strategic initiatives and performance
  • Financial modelling and commercial analysis to support decision making
  • M&A advisory and financial due diligence experience within mid-market transactions
  • Team management and development, including building finance functions
  • Process improvement, including transitioning finance activities in-house and implementing OCR systems
  • Reduced audit fees by 30%
  • Oversaw balance sheet cleanse of unsupported historical balance and separately transition to OCR software for supplier invoicing
  • A clean audit report achieved, first time in the past 5 years.

 

Software knowledge: Microsoft Dynamics 365, Power BI, Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, IRIS, Digita, CCH, Advanced Excel

Qualifications:

  • ACA Qualified (ICAEW) – First time passes
  • Audit Qualification (ICAEW)
  • BSc (Hons) Biotechnology & Microbiology (2:1) – University of York

LOCATION: London / South East

Notice period: 3 months

Candidate ref: 83462

 

To discuss this candidate or request a full CV, please contact:
Julie Mott – 01252 718777
Julie.Mott@howett-thorpe.co.uk