Assistant Financial Controller (UK)

Role Overview:
We are looking for a commercially focused Assistant Financial Controller to manage the finance function, improve profitability, and implement strong financial controls across the group. This is not just a reporting role — the candidate must actively challenge the business, drive cost savings, and ensure financial discipline across all group companies. Key Responsibilities Profit Protection & Supplier Management
• Ensure all retrospective rebates and supplier claims are identified, claimed, and deducted correctly • Actively track missed claims and recover lost margin • Work closely with buyers and suppliers to maximise all commercial income • Identify opportunities to extend supplier credit terms • Reduce reliance on bank facilities and lower interest costs Cash Flow & Working Capital
• Oversee and manage group cash flow on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis • Improve working capital by: • Reducing stock holding • Improving debtor collections • Extending creditor terms • Provide cash flow forecasts and highlight risks early • Ensure the business maintains strong liquidity and avoids unnecessary financing costs Financial Control & Reporting
• Produce weekly and monthly performance reports vs budget • Hold monthly review meetings with business heads • Provide clear commentary on risks, missed targets, and opportunities • Ensure: • VAT returns are accurate and submitted on time • Sugar tax compliance is correct • Bank reporting deadlines are met • Audits are completed efficiently and on time • Build and maintain reporting dashboards using: • Microsoft Power BI • Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Stock & Buying Discipline
• Monitor stock levels and enforce strict controls: • No stock to be held beyond 60 days without justification • Hold buyers accountable for: • Aged stock • Slow-moving or dead inventory • Regularly challenge buying decisions: • Why products were purchased • Volume vs sales performance • Escalate poor decisions to directors where required Commercial Governance & Controls
• Implement rules for all new product listings: • Sell-or-return agreements where possible • Mandatory listing fees / marketing contributions from suppliers • Ensure all new brands meet minimum commercial criteria before onboarding Team & Business Oversight
• Manage UK finance team and improve processes • Work across all group companies to ensure financial discipline and performance • Push business managers for results and accountability