Financial Controller-Tankersley, Barnsley

As the Financial Controller at Company Shop Group, you'll take charge of steering the month-end reporting process, manage budget and re-forecasting initiatives, and lead the preparation of year-end statutory accounts. You'll provide invaluable strategic insights to various teams, embedding financial processes that ensure sound decision-making throughout the organization.

To qualify for the Financial Controller position at Company Shop Group, you should be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with solid technical expertise. Experience in retail or FMCG environments is essential, as it helps in grasping the fast-paced nature of our operations. Your leadership skills and ability to manage priorities will also be crucial.

Company Shop Group supports financial decision-making across various functions like commercial, retail, and operations by providing strategic financial insights and sound controls. As the Financial Controller, you'll directly facilitate this support by ensuring that teams have accurate and timely financial data to inform their decisions.

As a Financial Controller at Company Shop Group, you can look forward to a competitive salary coupled with a bonus scheme, a contributory pension scheme, and various employee perks like free membership to our stores, high street discounts, and life assurance benefits. Your well-being is important to us, and we also offer services like the Employee Assistance Programme.

The work environment for a Financial Controller at Company Shop Group is dynamic, engaging, and purpose-driven. You'll be part of a diverse team that values innovation and contributions from all members. Our focus on reducing waste and building community confidence sets a meaningful backdrop for your work, creating a workplace where your role has a real impact.

When managing the month-end closing process, I focus on establishing clear timelines, collaborating closely with relevant teams, and utilizing automation tools to enhance efficiency. I ensure accurate data gathering ahead of deadlines, which allows for a smoother closing process and provides reliable reports for decision-making.

Ensuring compliance with financial regulations involves staying up-to-date with the latest changes in regulations and implementing robust internal controls. I advocate for regular training sessions for team members and conduct frequent audits to ascertain adherence to established policies, fostering a culture of accountability.

In my previous roles, I've led the budgeting and forecasting process by collaborating with various departments to gather insights and set realistic targets. I leverage historical data and market trends to create forecasts that align with business strategies, continuously monitoring performance against these forecasts to make adjustments as necessary.

Overcoming challenges while embedding financial processes requires clear communication and collaboration. I engage stakeholders early in the process to understand their concerns, provide adequate training, and ensure that the new processes align with operational workflows. This approach fosters buy-in and makes the transition smoother.

Technology is integral to my financial management practices. I use advanced accounting software to enhance efficiency, data visualization tools to provide clear insights, and automation for repetitive tasks. This not only reduces errors but also enables the team to focus on strategic initiatives that drive business growth.

During a recent financial audit, I meticulously prepared documentation and ensured that all records were compliant and up-to-date. I coordinated with the auditors, promptly addressing their inquiries and providing additional information when necessary. The audit concluded smoothly, confirming our adherence to regulations, which ultimately strengthened stakeholder confidence.

To evaluate financial performance, I utilize a mix of key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarking against industry standards. Regular financial analysis, including reviewing profit margins and cash flow forecasts, is critical. This approach helps identify areas for improvement and align strategies with overall business objectives.

I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and the strategic impact each task has on the organization. I also utilize project management tools to manage my workload effectively, allowing me to delegate tasks appropriately while ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks amidst competing priorities.

Leading and mentoring finance teams involves fostering an open environment for feedback and continuous learning. I set clear expectations, provide regular performance reviews, and encourage professional development through training opportunities. By recognising individual contributions and celebrating successes collectively, I build strong, motivated teams.

I am excited about the opportunity to work as a Financial Controller for Company Shop Group because I deeply resonate with the company's mission to reduce waste and create meaningful social impact. I believe that my financial expertise combined with my passion for sustainability can contribute to driving CSG’s financial success and community initiatives.