Finance Manager (Inventory)

Finance Manager – (inventory and intercompany) | 14-Month FTC | London | Consumer/Retail | £68,000 - £72,000 + bonus and benefits | Hybrid – 1 day per week in office | An Interim Finance Manager is required on a 14-month fixed-term maternity cover for a US-listed global consumer business based in Central London. Reporting into the Head of Accounting (EMEA) with two direct reports, you will take ownership of inventory, intercompany and distributor accounting across a portfolio of EMEA entities. This role requires strong US GAAP knowledge and hands-on experience of inventory-holding businesses, this role provides genuine scope to lead and mentor a driven team and contribute to wider finance projects across the region in a company that provides a people first approach.

Responsibilities include:

• Delivering all month-end and quarter-end close activities, including preparation of monthly and quarterly management accounts across multiple EMEA entities with the help of your team
• Overseeing intercompany accounting, reconciliations, and eliminations by reviewing and approving balances, resolving variances, and ensuring timely clearance
• Preparing and maintaining accurate inventory, freight, and duty accounting schedules
• Building strong relationships with Warehouse Operations and Logistics teams to increase visibility of inventory-related risks
• Managing distributor accounting activities across EMEA markets, including sample-related accounting and working closely with US-based teams on correct treatment
• Coordinating year-end audit deliverables and statutory accounts preparation, working with external service providers to meet local filing requirements
• Ensuring SOX and internal audit compliance across relevant entities and maintaining strong controls
• Reviewing monthly balance sheet reconciliations and partnering with the Head of Accounting EMEA
• Managing two direct reports, coaching and developing the team
• Supporting wider EMEA General Ledger team activity, finance projects and process improvement initiatives as required

Skill set required: The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with post-qualification experience, ideally gained within a listed retail or consumer environment. You will bring strong US GAAP knowledge (FRS102 also required), alongside proven experience in inventory accounting and multi-entity, multi-currency organisations preferable across wholesale, retail and/or e-commerce within a listed group. Previous experience managing a small team is essential, and familiarity with SOX controls is desirable. Strong systems skills are expected, with Oracle and/or Hyperion experience a distinct advantage.

Compensation and benefits: Salary of up to £72,000 + 15 bonus (pro-rata) £5,000 car allowance 27 days' holiday plus bank holidays Impressive discount programme Private health cover + life assurance Workplace pension