Financial Controller

H Huntsman & Sons Ltd; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury tailoring firm in London seeks a Financial Controller to manage financial operations, oversee accounting functions, and lead a team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in finance, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in accounting software. This role offers a competitive benefits package, including private healthcare and generous holiday allowance.

Benefits

24 days holiday (plus bank holidays)

Birthday day off

Private healthcare scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with significant experience.
• Minimum 5-8 years of accounting/finance experience.
• Demonstrated finance career progression.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts with variance analysis.
• Oversee statutory accounts and annual reporting.
• Support pricing strategies for different markets.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Commercial awareness

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Experience in accounting/finance

Tools

QuickBooks

Excel

Salesforce

Shopify

Job description

Company Description

H Huntsman & Sons Ltd, an esteemed Savile Row tailor, boasts over 175 years of history creating bespoke suiting for a discerning clientele, including nobility, royalty, politicians, and Hollywood icons. Known for its rich heritage and reputation as one of the finest bespoke tailors on Savile Row, Huntsman also offers a ready-to-wear collection and made-to-measure tailoring service. With integrity, excellence, craftsmanship, and style defining the Huntsman suit for generations, the tradition of superior service is maintained by a highly trained and experienced staff. Huntsman's London-based services extend internationally with a by-appointment pied-à-terre in New York City.

Role Description

The Financial Controller is responsible for the financial operations of Huntsman UK and the US, combining management accounting expertise with operational oversight. This role involves preparing comprehensive financial analysis and reporting whilst managing day-to-day accounting operations and supervising the Accounts Assistant.

Key Responsibilities:

Management Accounting & Reporting

• Prepare monthly management accounts with detailed variance analysis and commentary.
• Produce board reports and presentations analysing key performance indicators.
• Lead monthly and quarterly budgeting processes and maintain rolling forecasts.
• Analyse business performance and identify opportunities for improvement and efficiency.
• Support strategic decisions with financial analysis and recommendations.

Financial Operations

• Oversee the production of statutory accounts and support annual reporting processes.
• Implement and maintain robust financial controls and procedures.
• Monitor and optimise cash flow management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards and tax regulations.

Bespoke Business Management

• Develop and maintain costing models for bespoke garments, considering materials, labour, and overhead.
• Monitor profitability by product line (bespoke, ready-to-wear, accessories).
• Analyse individual customer profitability and lifetime value.
• Support pricing strategies for different markets and customer segments.
• Manage financial aspects of trunk shows and international client visits.

Operational Finance

• Supervise accounts payable, including structuring payments to cloth merchants, tailors, and suppliers to ensure improved cash flow.
• Manage accounts receivable and credit control, including deposits and final payments for bespoke orders.
• Produce quarterly commission reports for the sales team.
• Manage inventory accounting and valuation for luxury cloths and finished garments.
• Oversee working capital management and monitor key financial ratios.

Team Leadership & Systems

• Line manage and develop the Accounts Assistant, providing training and support.
• Maintain and improve financial systems and processes.
• Support digitalisation of financial processes whilst preserving traditional business values.
• Coordinate with external advisors (tax consultants, insurance brokers) as required.
• Ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations for high-value transactions.

Business Partnership

• Act as a business partner to other department heads, providing financial insights and support.
• Present financial updates to the board and contribute to management meetings.
• Communicate financial concepts effectively to non-finance colleagues across the business.

Profile:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or part-qualified with significant experience.
• Minimum 5-8 years of accounting/finance experience, ideally in a Finance Manager or Senior Finance role, looking to step up to Financial Controller level.
• Demonstrated progression in finance roles with increasing responsibility.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Good knowledge of UK accounting standards (US knowledge beneficial but not essential).
• Advanced Excel and accounting software skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and business partnering capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and explain financial concepts to non-finance staff.
• Some line management experience or clear potential to develop team leadership skills.
• QuickBooks knowledge is essential.
• Salesforce and Shopify knowledge would be advantageous.
• Experience in men's luxury retail or high-end fashion is preferred.

Benefits:

• 24 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Birthday day off
• Private healthcare scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership and other retail discounts
• Huntsman Socials