Financial Controller (London South)

Financial Controller – (London)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded Financial Controller with strong retail sector experience to support an SME owner-managed retail business in London. This is a self-employed, client-facing role requiring a hands-on finance professional who can provide strategic financial insight while ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and commercial decision support.

Initially, the successful candidate will be assigned to one retail client, working closely with the business owner and leadership team to improve financial performance, strengthen financial controls, optimise cash flow, enhance reporting, and support growth through meaningful management information. As the business grows, there may be opportunities to support additional clients.

A key requirement of this role is availability to work onsite with the client in London for a minimum of two days per week, building strong relationships and providing hands-on financial leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Management Information

• Prepare and present monthly management accounts and retail-focused MI packs.

• Produce insightful financial reporting for senior leadership teams and boards.

• Analyse sales, gross margins, stock performance, and profitability across retail operations.

• Develop and monitor KPIs including sales performance, gross margin, stock turn, labor costs, and store profitability.

• Provide commercial recommendations to improve business performance and profitability.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow

• Lead annual budgeting and financial planning processes.

• Prepare rolling forecasts and reforecasts.

• Develop and maintain detailed cash flow forecasts.

• Support planning through financial modelling and scenario analysis.

• Identify financial risks and commercial opportunities impacting retail performance.

Business Partnering

• Partner closely with retail business owners, directors, and management teams.

• Translate financial information into practical commercial insight.

• Support strategic decision-making including pricing, stock investment, expansion, and profitability initiatives.

• Provide financial leadership to non-finance stakeholders.

Financial Controls & Process Improvement

• Review and strengthen financial processes and internal controls.

• Ensure robust controls across stock, purchasing, cash handling, and retail operations.

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.

• Implement finance best practice and support finance transformation initiatives.

Team Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and develop small finance teams where required.

• Review the work of finance staff and maintain high standards across finance operations.

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by experience.

• Proven experience as a Financial Controller

• Strong understanding of retail finance, including stock management, gross margin analysis, inventory control, and multi-site reporting.

• Experience supporting SME and owner-managed businesses.

• Demonstrable experience producing management information and board reporting.

• Extensive budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management experience.

• Strong understanding of financial controls and process improvement.

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple client relationships.

• Available to attend client sites across London for a minimum of two days per week.

• Experience with Xero (experience with Sage and/or QuickBooks would also be advantageous).

About You

• Commercially focused with a strong understanding of retail businesses.

• Comfortable working directly with business owners and leadership teams.

• Confident interpreting retail trading performance and turning financial data into commercial action.

• Proactive, organised, and solutions-focused.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Professional, credible, and adaptable.

• Enjoys building trusted relationships with clients.

Location: London (Client Sites Across London)

Rate: £38 per hour

Engagement Type: Self-Employed / Part-Time

Availability Required: Minimum 2 days per week onsite with clients across London

About Us

At The Part-Time Finance People, we're passionate about helping business owners build more profitable, scalable, and enjoyable businesses.

We go beyond traditional finance support by delivering practical, commercially focused advice that helps SMEs improve cash flow, increase profitability, and make better strategic decisions.

Our Commitment

We're proud to foster a diverse, inclusive, and supportive working environment where different perspectives are valued and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Please Note

• Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years' UK-based experience as a Financial Controller.

• We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas candidates.