Financial Controller

Overview At Halfords, our mission is to inspire and support a lifetime of motoring and cycling. As a specialist retailer, we lead the market through customer-driven innovation and a distinct product range. We are dedicated to providing our customers with an integrated, unique, and convenient service experience - from e-bike and electric vehicle servicing to on-demand solutions. Our commitment is to foster customer loyalty by offering compelling reasons to keep coming back to our stores, ensuring a lifetime of motoring, and cycling enjoyment. The Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange and reported annual revenue of £1.7bn in its last set of results. Since 2019 Halfords has expanded its Garage services (GS) offering via organic growth and through acquisition. GS is now a significant business unit within Halfords and contributed £700m of revenue and EBITDA of £62m to the Group in year ended 28 March 25. GS consists of a number of different brands including Halfords Autocentres, National Tyres, McConechy's, Universal Tyres and Lodge Tyres providing servicing and tyres to retail and business customers and operating through c. 630 garage outlets, 280 mobile service vans and 500 commercial vans. About the role As Financial Controller - Garages, you will play a pivotal role at the heart of Halfords' fast-growing Garage Services division, sitting on the Group Controllers leadership team and shaping the financial future of a major business unit. Leading and developing a talented team of eight accountants, you will take full ownership of the ledgers for all Garage Services entities, delivering accurate month-end close, half-year, and full-year reporting. You will safeguard the integrity of the balance sheet, drive improvements in reconciliation processes, and provide expert technical accounting support to Commercial Finance and other key stakeholders. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role where you will lead process and control improvements, partner with IT to deliver efficiency gains, and work closely with operational teams to ensure finance processes keep pace with business change. From overseeing external audits to supporting the Finance transformation agenda, you will be a trusted advisor and driver of positive change - ensuring results are delivered on time, with no surprises, and to the highest standards of governance. Responsibilities Act as a senior member of the Group Controllers leadership team, shaping strategy and driving best practice across Finance. Lead, coach, and develop a team of eight qualified and part-qualified accountants responsible for the Garages business unit ledgers. Oversee month-end close, half-year, and full-year reporting for all Garage Services entities, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Own the integrity of the Garage Services balance sheet, driving improvements in reconciliation quality and efficiency. Provide technical accounting expertise and guidance to Commercial Finance and other stakeholders. Drive process and control improvements in partnership with IT, enhancing efficiency across key finance processes (P2P, O2C, R2R). Partner with Commercial Finance to deliver accurate month-end results, forecasts, and budgets. Work closely with operational leaders to align finance processes with business changes, managing risk and ensuring robust controls. Act as the key finance contact for external audit of the Garages business unit. Play an active role in delivering the Group's Finance transformation plan. Qualifications Accomplished Financial Controller with a strong track record of leading complex finance functions in fast-paced, multi-entity environments. Fully qualified accountant with deep technical expertise and a reputation for delivering accurate, insightful, and timely reporting. Proven leader who builds and develops high-performing teams while staying hands-on and detail-focused when needed. Strong control mindset with a history of strengthening governance, improving reconciliations, and embedding best practice. Skilled in driving system and process improvements that enhance efficiency and support business growth. Confident and influential communicator, trusted by senior stakeholders to provide challenge, insight, and solutions. Rewards & Benefits A fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, car allowance, annual discretionary bonus scheme, pension, life assurance, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave. Commitment and dedication to your ongoing personal and professional development. We help you to own and grow your potential so you can be at your best in your current role and to support your future career aspirations. We offer hybrid working in our Support Centre, you will be based at our Support Centre 3 days a week with an optional 2 days working from home. You will have access to a wealth of employee discounts across the Halfords suite of products and services. Wellbeing and inclusion are at the heart of our colleague experience. We offer resources and ongoing support to enhance your wellbeing at work and active Colleague Networks supporting inclusion initiatives across Halfords. Equal Opportunities Not sure you meet all the criteria? We would encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We are an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family. Location & Hybrid Working At Halfords, we operate a hybrid working policy with 3 days on site at our Support Centre in Redditch, Worcestershire. #J-18808-Ljbffr