Group Financial Controller

Gear4Music; York; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing retailer of musical instruments is seeking an experienced Group Financial Controller to provide leadership across finance. Key responsibilities include financial reporting, audit leadership, and tax compliance. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with expertise in IFRS and management experience. A comprehensive benefits package and supportive working culture are offered.

Benefits

Generous discount scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Onsite gym and physio

Employee referral scheme

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant preferred (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Strong technical expertise in IFRS and UK GAAP principles.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver robust financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare timely and accurate month-end and year-end financial accounts.
• Lead the Group's annual audit process.
• Coordinate tax compliance in collaboration with external consultants.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Microsoft Excel

Leadership

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA preferred)

Tools

Financial software

Job description

Gear4music is a fast-growing retailer of musical instruments and equipment. We are a community of music enthusiasts committed to providing the best possible online shopping experience and continuously innovating and improving.

We are looking for an experienced Group Financial Controller to join our growing team. Reporting to the Finance Director, this is a pivotal role providing leadership across the finance function and ensuring the highest standards of reporting, compliance, and operational efficiency. You will deliver accurate and timely financial information, support strategic decision-making, and drive continuous improvement across the Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare timely and accurate month-end and year-end financial, statutory, and Group management accounts.
• Lead the Group's annual audit process, including consolidated financial information and statutory accounts for all subsidiaries.
• Manage and oversee day-to-day banking, treasury, and working capital requirements.
• Ensure accuracy across the Group through monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
• Coordinate tax compliance in collaboration with external tax consultants.
• Oversee payroll processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely payments.
• Support compliant customs processes for international shipments.
• Negotiate and manage commercial contracts with external service providers, utilities, and third parties.
• Co-lead, develop, and motivate the finance team to deliver high performance and continuous improvement.
• Drive ad hoc finance projects, including new system implementations, automation, and process improvements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain robust financial controls and governance frameworks.

Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA preferred).
• Experience leading financial accounting, consolidation, and reporting in a Plc or large corporate environment.
• Strong technical expertise in IFRS and UK GAAP principles and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in international accounting and multi-currency reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver robust financial reporting through efficient processes and controls.
• Previous experience managing and motivating a Finance team in a constructive and positive way.
• Excellent attention to detail with a proactive, solution-focused approach.
• Highly motivated self-starter, able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple objectives under pressure.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel; prior systems implementation experience is desirable.

What we’ll give you

Alongside the benefit of working with a fantastic group of talented people, we are committed to providing a well-rounded benefits package that includes development opportunities and wellbeing support:

• Generous discount scheme across our full range of music and home entertainment products.
• Employee Assistance Programme, offering 24/7 caring & compassionate support across a wide range of areas.
• Access to 30 qualified Mental Health First Aiders across the business, demonstrating our commitment to prioritising mental health & wellbeing support as a 'Mindful Employer'.
• Free car parking with access to electric charging points
• Modern office space with onsite cafe and bar hosting regular social events.
• Onsite gym and physio with Gear4music discounts & perks
• Relaxed dress code and a great coffee machine.
• Employee referral scheme, employer pension scheme, corporate eyecare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, company sick pay scheme, enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption pay, annual flu vaccinations, and access to a 26-day per annum WFH policy where job roles permit.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know. A member of our friendly recruitment team will contact you to discuss your needs in more detail and ensure appropriate arrangements are made.

We have an open, collaborative, and friendly culture, and offer a supportive learning environment for people to grow and develop a career with us.