Following a recent merger and refinancing between the Southern Co-op and the Co-op Group, we are looking for a proactive and highly skilled Financial Controller to join our team. As part of the merger, Southern’s business has been acquired by Siena Co-operative Limited, a 100% subsidiary of the Co-op Group.
We are actively seeking a proactive, highly skilled Financial Controller to join our team. This is a unique chance to step beyond standard reporting. You will provide strategic, operational, and financial counsel to the Head of ELS Operations, playing a central role and contributing to the achievement of the Society’s strategic objectives.
What we offer
Hybrid working - 2 days a week in the office after induction period
Free onsite parking
20% colleague discount
Company car allowance
Private medical & critical illness insurance
Health & dental cash plans
24/7 virtual GP & fitness discounts via Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
Employee Assistance Programme
Life insurance & pension
Financial wellbeing tools
Cycle-to-work & Electric Vehicle schemes
Training & development opportunities
What to expect
Strategic Partnering: Collaborate directly with the Head of ELS Operations to build and deliver the long-term financial plan, acting as a key advisor for the division's strategic direction.
Commercial Insights: Analyse emerging trends and business drivers to inform operational strategy and champion changes for commercial performance improvement.
Financial Leadership: Deliver clear, timely financial reporting and consult with business leaders to develop new management information tools that support the strategic plan.
Budgeting & Investment: Lead the forecasting process to deliver meaningful budgets and ensure that capital and non-capital investments are robustly appraised.
Regulatory Oversight: Ensure strict compliance with FCA regulations, manage the funeral planning investment process with Royal London, and oversee annual asset revaluations.
Team Empowerment: Lead, manage, and prioritize workloads for a team of two, fostering a flexible, multi-skilled finance culture.
What we’re looking for
An experienced Finance professional with a recognised accounting qualification and over 5 years of post-qualification experience.
A strategic thinker with a strong commercial focus, capable of identifying complex issues and delivering appropriate business solutions.
A proven track record of driving and managing finance and business process change.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to adapt your style to influence senior management across various disciplines.
Highly IT literate and proficient in Excel, with the ability to communicate data clearly to non-finance colleagues.
Desirable: Previous experience working within a regulated environment (such as FCA/PRA), alongside exposure to corporate transactions and auditors.
