Group Retail Financial Controller

LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics - MENA

Sep 16

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Senior & Expert Level

Requirements

Qualified accountant ACA / ACCA / CIMA / Equivalent
Experience in high volume, vertically integrated retail and digital operations
Managerial background and experience working within a retail finance team
Experience with Retail systems and a passion for technology-driven process improvement
Excellent communication skills and relationship building
Experience in commentary writing and the ability to effectively communicate finance to non-finance people
Proficient in Excel/Google Sheets and the creation of engaging presentations in Google Slides
Ability to build relationships quickly and work collaboratively with people across the business
Willingness to travel abroad
Foreign languages are helpful but by no means essential

Responsibilities

Active management, recruitment and training of the local financial controllers/managers in the UK, Europe, Australasia and Greater China. Supporting the local directors in other regions where necessary (North America, Japan and MENA) to recruit and train excellent financial controllers/managers.
Market by market review of group retail management accounts including P&L, Balance Sheet, Capex and Cashflow. This will include the monthly actuals, changes to the forecast, a thorough review of commentaries and also ensure;
Any issues are identified and corrected in a timely manner, ahead of final submission. Training of local teams to avoid repeat issues in the future.
Communication with the Group Finance Director throughout the month end to keep them informed of any material changes or potential delays.
Preparation of a monthly finance commentary to cover the consolidated Retail P&L in conjunction with the Group Retail FBP. This would explain key variances in sales and profitability and provide a wealth of market level insight for the Group Finance Directors and Retail Leadership.
Ensure that best practice is adopted in all markets. Areas of focus include the reporting quality, efficiency of key financial processes and working towards a finance transformation by leveraging systems, technology and automation.
Providing accounting and reporting guidance to local teams and ensure standards are consistently followed.
Work alongside the Retail, Digital and Brand FBPs to coordinate and review the periodic sales forecast updates, annual budgets and ad hoc financial modelling requests.
Work alongside the Property, Buying, Tech and other FBP’s to ensure our forecasts reflect the latest plans and are correctly charged within our chart of accounts.
Work alongside the Global Manufacturing FC to review the impact of intercompany transactions, such as stock/other purchases, cost of goods and internal pricing.
Analyse and report on the Sales & Admin costs within the Retail entities, highlighting opportunities for profit growth to the relevant Global Business Partners in those areas.
Ensure that in every market there is clear accountability for compliance with all relevant financial regulations, including tax laws, accounting standards, and corporate policies. Support where required to improve.
Guide and encourage the local finance teams to adopt the UK best practice model for finance business partnering and operational support.
Support the Group Tax and Audit managers in all aspects tax, audit and statutory reporting.
Significant Ad Hoc project work and support for the Group Finance Director and wider business as required.

FAQs

What is the location requirement for this role?

You must be in the Poole office 2-3 days a week and available 5 days during month-end.

What level of experience is required for this position?

A managerial background and experience working within a retail finance team is required.

What qualifications are necessary for this role?

You need to be a qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA / Equivalent).

Is there an opportunity for travel in this position?

Yes, there is a willingness to travel abroad as part of the role.

What type of work will be involved in this position?

You will oversee financial operations, manage local financial teams, prepare financial reporting, and support various projects.

Does this position involve working with foreign currencies?

While foreign languages are helpful, they are not essential for this role.

What are the key responsibilities of the Group Retail Financial Controller?

Responsibilities include managing financial teams, reviewing management accounts, preparing finance commentary, ensuring compliance, and more.

Are there bonuses associated with this role?

Yes, there is a bonus scheme included in the benefits package.

What benefits are provided for parental leave?

There is 6 months’ full pay for primary caregivers, along with enhanced paternity leave.

How many days of holiday do employees receive?

Employees receive 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays.

What perks are available for purchasing Lush products?

Employees receive a 50% discount on Lush products and spa treatments.

Is there support for childcare during the return to work?

Yes, there is financial childcare support available on return to work.

What kind of company culture does Lush promote?

Lush promotes a culture focused on ethics, employee ownership, creativity, and community activities like film nights and yoga sessions.

LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics - MENA

We're creating a cosmetics revolution to save the planet.

Manufacturing & Electronics

Industry

201-500

Employees

1995

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

We believe in making effective products from fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics. We believe in buying ingredients only from companies that do not commission tests on animals and in testing our products on humans. We invent our own products and fragrances. We make them fresh by hand using little or no preservative or packaging, using only vegetarian ingredients, and tell you when they were made. We believe in happy people making happy soap, putting our faces on our products and making our mums proud. We believe in long candlelit baths, sharing showers, massage, filling the world with perfume and in the right to make mistakes, lose everything and start again. We believe our products are good value, that we should make a profit and that the customer is always right.