Head of Finance - Fashion - #2197224

Global Fashion business based in Central London are looking for an experienced Qualified Head of Finance. This role will be office based.

In this pivotal role, the candidate will act as the cornerstone of financial strategy, driving growth and optimising performance and profitability. Working closely with the Founder/CEO, this is a hands-on role covering all aspects of operational and commercial finance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage budgets, forecasts, Board reporting, and financial reports to ensure the organisation's financial health.
• Produce monthly management accounts and manage company cash flows.
• Oversee daily cash flows, payment runs, and the monthly payroll cycle.
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, managing accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Manage FX exposure and oversee FX management.
• Conduct financial planning for the company by analysing performance and risks.
• Oversee all audit and internal control operations, ensuring compliance with the law and company policies to maintain integrity in financial reports.
• Manage the finance team, providing leadership, direction, and training to ensure an efficient and effective department.
• Work closely with operations to protect profit margins, challenging distributors on wholesale terms.
• Retain constant awareness of the company's financial position and act proactively to prevent issues.
• Contribute to the development of company strategy across all areas of the business, challenging assumptions, and decision-making as appropriate, and providing financial analysis and guidance on all activities, plans, targets, and drivers.
• Ensure compliance with UK GAAP and all HMRC requirements, including VAT.
• Act as the primary contact for external auditors, accountants, and banking partners.

Key Personal Attributes:

• Qualified accountant with significant post-qualification experience in a similar role.
• Process-driven and highly analytical, with the ability to resolve issues and identify key trends driving performance.
• Commercially astute, with a background in retail or luxury.
• Ability to communicate financial matters clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• First-class Excel skills.
• Strong people manager, able to create, develop, and motivate teams.

Ideally the candidate will be from a multi-region Fashion / Retail business, stock management, B2B and B2C.