Financial Controller

About the role

We are seeking an ambitious Financial Controller to join a fast‑growing premium beauty and fragrance brand in Central London. This hybrid role offers a blend of traditional finance control duties and commercial partnership with senior leadership, with a clear pathway to a future Finance Director position.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day finance function, covering management reporting, cash‑flow monitoring, payroll and operational finance.
• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, forecasts and board reports with commercial analysis.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis across multiple revenue channels.
• Oversee year‑end audit, statutory reporting and ensure robust financial controls.
• Partner with senior leadership on strategic growth initiatives and profitability analysis.
• Support retail and wholesale performance analysis for key UK partners such as Boots, Sephora, John Lewis and Feelunique.
• Drive finance system enhancements, automation and process optimisation.
• Ensure VAT, PAYE and Corporation Tax compliance in collaboration with external advisers.
• Mentor and develop the growing finance team.

Required profile

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with strong technical accounting and reporting expertise.
• Experience in a high‑growth SME within consumer, beauty, retail or lifestyle sectors.
• Familiarity with the UK retail landscape and wholesale partnerships, preferably with brands like Boots, Sephora or John Lewis.
• Commercially focused with excellent analytical and financial modelling capability.
• Comfortable operating in a fast‑moving, entrepreneurial environment.

Required skills

• Sage 50 (experience beneficial).
• Financial modelling.

What we offer

• Clear progression pathway toward Finance Director.
• Hybrid working arrangement in a premium Central London office.
• Private medical, dental and optical cover.
• Enhanced holiday entitlement and staff lifestyle benefits.
• Opportunity to play a key role in a scaling international beauty brand.