CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (RETAIL INDUSTRY)

Financial Controller – Key Responsibilities (Retail Industry)

1. Financial Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and oversee the accounting and finance function, ensuring financial integrity and efficiency.
• Supervise and mentor finance team members, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Develop and implement best practices in financial management to support business growth.

2. Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Oversee the full spectrum of accounting functions, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and industry standards.
• Prepare, review, and analyze monthly financial statements, highlighting key performance trends.
• Generate financial insights to support decision-making on pricing strategies, cost management, and store profitability.

3. Cash Flow, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Prepare, forecast, and review cash flow projections on a weekly and monthly basis to ensure liquidity.
• Work closely with business leaders to develop annual budgets and financial forecasts for board approval.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and provide variance analysis with recommendations.

4. Regulatory Compliance & Taxation

• Ensure timely and accurate submission of statutory reports, including GST filings, government surveys, and grant applications.
• Manage corporate tax matters, liaising with tax advisors to ensure full compliance with tax regulations.
• Coordinate with external auditors and ensure adherence to accounting standards and financial policies.

5. Business Partnering & Retail-Specific Financial Advisory

• Collaborate with operations, merchandising, and marketing teams to optimize store profitability.
• Conduct financial analysis on store performance, identifying areas for improvement in sales, margins, and operational costs.
• Evaluate new store openings, lease agreements, and retail expansion strategies to maximize return on investment (ROI).
• Develop financial models for product pricing, promotions, and inventory management.

6. Process Optimization & System Improvements

• Drive continuous improvements in financial processes, automation, and reporting to enhance operational efficiency.
• Implement internal controls to minimize financial risk, fraud, and stock losses.
• Optimize ERP and point-of-sale (POS) system integrations for accurate financial reporting.

7. Strategic Initiatives & Ad-Hoc Projects

• Support management with financial insights for strategic business decisions, including market expansion and digital transformation.
• Provide financial due diligence for potential partnerships, acquisitions, or new revenue streams (e.g., e-commerce).
• Assist in any other ad-hoc financial reporting and projects as required.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or professional qualification in Accountancy.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in retail and fashion accounting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Strong analytical skills, self-motivated, highly organized, meticulous, and responsible.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A team player with strong collaboration skills.
• Solid understanding of internal controls, corporate governance, and financial stewardship.
• Proven track record in process improvement and technology implementation in financial and accounting functions.
• Demonstrated expertise in cost management.
• Strong numerical acumen with excellent attention to detail.
• Available to join on short notice.