Assistant Finance Controller

Assistant Finance Controller

Hybrid ¦ Finance ¦ UK
Shape financial insight. Strengthen controls. Make an impact.

We’re looking for a commercially minded Assistant Finance Controller to join our Finance team at our Westerham site. This is a pivotal role, supporting the function to ensure accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and data‑driven decision making across the business.

Working closely with Finance Operations, Commercial Finance, and Corporate teams, you’ll play a key role in month‑end and year‑end close activities, audit delivery, statutory reporting, and compliance. You’ll influence how financial insight is used across the organisation, helping drive cost control, optimise performance, and ensure robust governance in a fast‑paced, matrix environment.

If you enjoy taking ownership, partnering with stakeholders, and applying technical accounting expertise to real commercial challenges, this role offers visibility, variety, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference.

What You Will Be Responsible For

You’ll support the end‑to‑end management of financial processes, with accountability for accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Financial Reporting & Close Activities

• Supporting month‑end, half‑year, and year‑end close processes
• Assisting in the preparation of full financial statements (P&L and balance sheet)
• Reviewing balance sheet reconciliations, intercompany transactions, and journal entries
• Ensuring timely, accurate financial reporting to support business decision making
• Managing true and accurate sales rebates, promotions, and display reconciliations in collaboration with Commercial Finance

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Acting as a key contact for internal and external auditors, supporting year‑end audits across all UK entities
• Assisting with audit, tax, and legal requirements in line with group policies
• Preparing and submitting Tax and VAT returns
• Supporting SOX compliance and adherence to accounting standards (US GAAP essential)
• Managing lease accounting and compliance with IFRS 16 in collaboration with EMEAA Controllership and Corporate Accounting
• Supporting FX forward purchasing processes in partnership with Corporate Treasury

Operational Finance & Controls

• Supporting with day‑to‑day finance operations
• Producing high‑quality reports and statements to improve audit efficiency
• Maintaining and updating finance procedures and documentation
• Driving financial discipline and strong internal controls across the business
• Proactively identifying issues, risks, and improvement opportunities

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Working closely with cross‑functional stakeholders to ensure alignment with controls and policies
• Influencing cost control and performance against key business drivers
• Taking on new responsibilities aligned with the role’s purpose
• Supporting best‑practice implementation across the controllership function

For This Role We Would Need You To Demonstrate

You’ll be a confident, technically strong finance professional with a proactive and commercially aware mindset.

You’ll bring:

• A recognised accounting qualification (CIMA, ACA, ACCA)
• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant finance experience
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and SOX compliance (essential)
• Proven experience supporting financial close, reporting, and audit processes
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to influence stakeholders
• High proficiency in MS Office, ERP systems, and financial reporting tools
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines
• A collaborative approach, with the confidence to challenge constructively
• Willingness to travel between UK sites as required

What Your Colleagues Say About You

• Detail‑focused with a strong sense of accountability
• Commercially aware and able to see the bigger picture
• Confident, professional, and credible with stakeholders
• Proactive, solutions‑oriented, and resilient under pressure
• A strong team player who leads by example

Core Competencies

• Cultivates Innovation – Challenges the status quo and drives improvement
• Active Learner – Continuously develops technical and commercial capability
• Collaborates – Works effectively across functions and geographies
• Plans and Aligns – Balances strategic thinking with operational delivery

Our Purpose, Values & Behaviours

At the heart of everything we do is our belief in being a Home for All, empowering people to Make a Difference.

We:

• Think Big, Learn Fast
• Work It Together
• Make The Hard Call

Our values guide how we work every day:

• Aligned in how we collaborate
• Agile in the face of change
• Accountable to our commitments
• Action‑led, with integrity and transparency

Why Join Us?

We reward not only results, but the positive impact you make along the way. With a strong performance culture and a focus on development, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to meaningful, high‑impact work.

The Benefits

• 33 days holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Annual Incentive Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance & Pension Plan
• Health & Wellbeing Programme (including health cash plan)
• High Street Reward Scheme & Refer a Friend Programme
• Free Parking & Eye Care support
• Flexible working model
• Employee Recognition Programme

Our Hiring Process

1. Initial discussion with our Resourcing Team
2. On‑site interview process (1–2 stages depending on role)
3. Successful candidates notified and start dates confirmed

If you haven’t heard from us within 4 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Note for Recruitment Agencies:
We manage our vacancies internally, preferring direct hires and referrals. When required, we engage agencies from our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). Speculative CVs from agencies not on our PSL will not be considered, and no introduction fee will apply.