Harper May is working with a multi-channel retail group operating stores and e-commerce across the UK. The business is privately held, has grown consistently over the past three years, and processes in excess of £50m in annual revenue. The finance function currently sits within a lean operations team, and the business is now looking to strengthen its finance capability with a dedicated manager to drive cleaner reporting, tighter controls, and sharper commercial analysis.

The Role

Reporting to the Finance Director, you will manage the core finance operations covering ledger management, monthly close, and commercial reporting. You will work alongside store management and the central commercial team to surface performance drivers and support operational decision-making in a busy trading environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute reliable month-end and year-end close cycles, producing timely management accounts and statutory packs
• Build and own annual budgets, rolling forecasts, and weekly cash flow projections
• Analyse store and channel profitability, gross margin, and operational spend variance
• Establish and maintain robust bank reconciliations, fixed asset registers, and balance sheet controls
• Work with the commercial team to model promotional and pricing decisions and track their financial impact
• Support audit engagement and tax compliance workstreams
• Document and improve finance processes to reduce manual work and strengthen internal controls

What we are looking for

• AAT Part 3 qualified minimum; ACA, ACCA, or CIMA preferred
• Three to five years' hands-on finance management experience, ideally in retail, hospitality, or another trading business
• Genuine competence in management accounting, variance analysis, and forecasting
• Proficiency in Excel and experience with standard accounting software
• Ability to communicate finance insights clearly to operational and commercial leaders
• Proactive, organised mindset; comfortable with ambiguity and moving quickly