Financial Controller - #2184703

Financial Controller

Multi-site Retail & Distribution

Birmingham

£120,000–£130,000 + bonus + benefits

Baker Charles is recruiting for a newly created Financial Controller position with a large, multi-site retail business based in Birmingham.

Reporting to the Finance Director, this is a broad and highly visible leadership role with responsibility across financial control, statutory and Group reporting, treasury, working capital, finance systems and the wider back-office finance operation, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, cash management and payroll. The successful candidate will lead a substantial finance function and play a central role in transforming how Finance operates.

The business is looking for someone who can take clear ownership of the financial control environment, challenge established ways of working and create a faster, more efficient and scalable finance function. A significant part of the mandate will be improving the close, strengthening controls and balance sheet governance, increasing automation and creating clearer accountability across Finance.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing teams across financial reporting, financial accounting, treasury, property accounting, payroll, finance systems, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
• Owning month-end and year-end close, materially improving speed, accuracy and quality
• Strengthening balance sheet governance, reconciliations, controls and documentation
• Leading statutory reporting and the external audit process
• Developing stronger quarterly and periodic reporting disciplines
• Working closely with Group Finance on Group reporting, US GAAP, technical accounting and wider reporting requirements
• Taking ownership of cash, liquidity, working capital and treasury controls
• Driving finance transformation, process redesign, standardisation and automation
• Developing a roadmap to reduce manual activity and make better use of systems, data, technology and AI
• Building stronger succession, capability and accountability across the team
• Establishing appropriate Finance KPIs around close, controls, working capital, efficiency and continuous improvement

We are looking for a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with experience as a Financial Controller, Head of Finance or in another senior finance leadership role. You will combine technical accounting and control expertise with a proven track record of improving finance processes, systems and operating models.

The successful individual will be commercially minded, pragmatic and comfortable challenging established processes. You will have the credibility to influence senior operational and commercial stakeholders, lead a substantial team through change and balance strong governance with practical solutions.

Experience within a multi-site, retail, distribution, manufacturing or similarly complex environment would be advantageous, although leadership quality and a genuine transformation mindset are more important than sector background.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior finance professional who wants to take ownership of a significant finance function and lead a meaningful programme of transformation and improvement.

For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with Ben at Baker Charles or apply here.