Financial Controller
Location: Watlington, Oxfordshire
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: c. £55,000 - £65,000 depending on experience
About Us
Garden Trends is a fast-growing, multi-channel retailer specialising in garden furniture, barbecues, leisure products, Christmas and seasonal ranges. Established in 2014, the business has experienced significant growth and continues to expand across both online and retail channels.
We are an ambitious, entrepreneurial business that values accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Finance Controller to lead our finance function and play a key role in supporting the company's future success.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys working within a growing SME environment and wants to make a genuine impact on business performance.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Finance Controller will take ownership of the finance function and provide accurate, timely and insightful financial information to support strategic decision-making.
This is a hands-on leadership role combining operational finance management with commercial business partnering. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, compliance and financial controls while supporting wider business functions where required.
The Finance Controller will work closely with external accountants, auditors, department managers and senior leadership to ensure the business is well-positioned for continued growth.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
· Lead and manage all day-to-day financial operations.
· Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts.
· Produce monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports.
· Ensure integrity of financial records and accounting processes.
· Maintain and reconcile all balance sheet accounts.
· Oversee sales ledger, purchase ledger and bank reconciliations.
· Deliver meaningful management information and financial analysis to support decision-making.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Commercial Analysis
· Lead the annual budgeting process across the business.
· Prepare rolling cash flow forecasts and financial projections.
· Monitor business performance against budgets and forecasts.
· Analyse profitability, margins and operational performance.
· Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs).
· Provide commercial insight and recommendations to improve business performance.
· Support strategic planning and growth initiatives.
Cash Flow & Working Capital Management
· Manage company cash flow and liquidity requirements.
· Monitor and optimise working capital performance.
· Oversee debtor and creditor management processes.
· Support stock valuation and inventory reporting.
· Identify opportunities to improve cash generation and operational efficiency.
Compliance, Audit & Financial Controls
· Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and financial reporting requirements.
· Prepare and submit VAT, PAYE and other HMRC returns.
· Manage year-end audit processes and statutory reporting requirements.
· Liaise with external accountants, auditors and professional advisers.
· Develop and maintain robust financial controls, policies and procedures.
· Monitor financial risk and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
Systems & Process Improvement
· Drive continuous improvement across finance and administration processes.
· Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation and systems development.
· Maintain and develop management reporting tools and financial systems.
· Support wider business projects involving finance, IT and operational improvements.
Leadership & Business Support
· Lead, mentor and develop members of the finance team.
· Establish a culture of accountability, accuracy and continuous improvement.
· Provide financial support and guidance to department managers.
· Work closely with the Managing Director on strategic projects and business planning.
· Support wider business functions including HR, IT and office administration where required.
Skills & Experience
Essential
· ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualified, or Qualified by Experience (QBE) with significant relevant senior finance experience.
· Previous experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Senior Management Accountant or similar leadership role.
· Strong management accounting and financial reporting experience.
· Proven experience preparing budgets, forecasts and cash flow projections.
· Experience managing financial controls and compliance processes.
· Advanced Excel skills and strong financial systems knowledge.
· Experience using Sage Accounts or equivalent accounting software.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
· Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
· Ability to work independently and take ownership of the finance function.
· Experience working within a growing SME environment.
Desirable
· Experience within retail, e-commerce, home, garden or consumer products sectors.
· Knowledge of inventory, stock and margin reporting.
· Payroll management experience.
· Experience implementing finance systems or process improvement projects.
· Understanding of HR and operational business processes.
· Experience supporting business growth, acquisitions or organisational change.
Personal Attributes
· Commercially minded with strong business acumen.
· Hands-on and willing to work at both strategic and operational levels.
· Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
· Proactive and solutions-focused.
· Strong leadership and people management skills.
· Able to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
· Confident communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
· Positive, adaptable and committed to continuous improvement.
Working Pattern
· Full-time permanent role.
· Based primarily at our Head Office in Watlington, Oxfordshire.
· Flexibility may be considered for the right candidate.
· Occasional additional hours may be required during month-end, year-end and budget preparation periods.
What We Offer
· Competitive salary dependent on experience.
· Opportunity to play a key leadership role within a growing business.
· Significant influence on business strategy and decision-making.
· Supportive and collaborative working environment.
· Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
· Long-term career development potential.
Benefits
· Rural office location with free on-site parking.
· Rest area with complimentary tea and coffee.
· On-site independent café.
· Company pension scheme.
· Friendly, close-knit team environment.