Head of Finance

Our client is an international, high-end fashion retail business. As part of the on-going expansion plans they now seek a Head of Finance to work closely with the COO and help professionalise the finance function. This is a hands-on, highly visible role and will require the Head of Finance to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the finance function, and for ensuring all financial systems, processes & controls befit a dynamic, change-orientated business.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Ultimate responsibility for financial control and reporting on a day to day basis.
• Work with Senior Management to grow the business, formulating strategies.
• Manage, lead and develop the Finance team
• Lead and manage the budgeting process
• Analysis and commentary on financial performance/store performance

• Recommending actions to improve performance efficient management of critical processes such as credit control, creditor payments and payroll, cashflow etc
• Work with senior managers, presenting the financial implications of strategic decisions, business opportunities and other matters that may arise from time to time

• Overall cash management on an ongoing basis
• Map the Group Structure and set up appropriate transfer pricing policies.
• Operate as the main point of contact to the auditors and banks
• Overall responsibility for the preparation and submission of weekly and monthly updates
• Presentation of monthly/annual accounts with recommendations
• Review of accounts and investigation of variances setting any recovery plans or savings needed
• Capital expenditure – evaluation and preparation of submissions
• Insurance/ risk management
• Work with the Sales and Retail teams to set and achieve the relevant forecasted margins
• Meeting reporting deadlines. Intra group accounting and financial matters
• Formulation, and ensuring implementation of Credit Control Policy
• Strict supervision and cost control
• Company pension schemes, including liaising with Trustees on behalf of the Company.
• Carrying out company secretary duties.
• Working with the Board in formulating strategy and long term plans.

This is a highly visible role in a fast-paced SME. Applicants will be fully qualified with prior experience of working within a retail and / or multisite business. Applicants will have a demonstrable background in taking full ownership of day-to-day finance in a growing company and will ideally understand the challenges of expanding an organisation. The new Head of Finance will be able to utilise their strong understanding of system implementations and managing financial controls and processes to support ongoing growth.

The business is seeking a true finance leader with natural authority and a flair for detail. The ideal candidate will view this role as a springboard to their first Finance Director position within 18 months.