Interim Financial Controller

Role Purpose

Our client is an established international luxury design business. Operating through a global e-commerce platform, across Europe and the US, the business delivers to clients worldwide. It is a purpose-led organisation with strong credentials in social and environmental responsibility.

Our client is seeking an experienced Interim Financial Controller to join the finance team for 3-6 months, reporting directly to the Finance Director. The immediate priority is to lead the year-end close and manage the statutory audit through to sign-off.

Key Responsibilities

Year-End and Audit

• Lead the year-end close process, owning the timetable and coordinating inputs from the wider finance team and business.
• Act as the main point of contact for the external auditors, managing the audit plan, PBC (prepared by client) requests and query resolution through to sign-off.
• Prepare year-end audit files, balance sheet reconciliations, supporting schedules and journals.
• Prepare or support the preparation of statutory accounts under FRS 102 (or applicable framework), including group and subsidiary entities.
• Review key judgements and areas of audit focus such as stock valuation and provisions, revenue recognition, accruals and deferred income.
• Support the Finance Director with the audit committee / board reporting on year-end results and audit findings.
• Manage the monthly management accounts process, delivering accurate and timely month-end close and reporting packs.
• Own balance sheet integrity, ensuring all reconciliations are completed, reviewed and supported.
• Oversee intercompany accounting and reconciliations across international entities in the UK, Europe and the US, including multi-currency transactions.
• Review VAT returns and support wider tax compliance, liaising with external advisers as needed.
• Maintain and strengthen financial controls, processes and policies, identifying improvements as audit points arise.
• Supervise and review the work of the finance team, providing guidance and support.
• Support cash flow management, forecasting and budgeting activities as required by the Finance Director.
• Undertake ad-hoc analysis and projects requested by the Finance Director.

Skills and Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), ideally ACA with audit experience.
• Proven track record as a Financial Controller or senior Finance Manager, with hands-on ownership of year-end and audit.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including UK GAAP / FRS 102.
• Experience of multi-entity and multi-currency accounting, including intercompany and consolidation.
• Highly organised and able to manage competing deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Confident communicator, able to build relationships quickly with auditors, the Finance Director and non-finance stakeholders.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Previous interim or contract experience, landing quickly and adding value from day one.
• Background in retail, e-commerce, luxury goods or design, including stock accounting.
• Experience with international operations (UK, Europe, US).
• Experience with cloud accounting / ERP systems

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