Head of Finance

In Cork; Manchester, Birmingham, Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online department store is seeking a Head of Finance in Manchester. This role involves leading financial operations, developing strategy, and ensuring compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification, significant experience in senior finance roles, and a proactive approach. Candidates should be comfortable operating in a fast-moving, growth-focused environment. Additional benefits include share options and flexible working hours.

Benefits

Opportunity to take part in share schemes

Core hours flexibility

Health and wellbeing benefits

Up to 40% discount off brands

Social calendar events

Buzzing atmosphere and culture

Qualifications

• Significant post‑qualification experience in a senior finance role.
• Experience within fintech, payments, retail, or another high volume, high regulation environment.
• Proven success building or scaling financial operations.

Responsibilities

• Own the financial strategy for Debenhams Pay+ ensuring alignment with overall Group objectives.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, modelling, and long-range planning.
• Build and manage financial governance, risk frameworks, and compliance processes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Proactive mindset

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification (or equivalent)

Job description

You know all about our high street roots and bricks and mortar stores. Now, we’re looking to the future. Since 2021, we’ve embraced some changes. Debenhams hasn’t made a comeback – we’ve been here since 1778, evolving and adapting to the times. This is Debenhams today – Britain’s Leading Online Department Store.

We are more than a department store – we are an institution. From creating the blueprint for designer collaborations with designers at Debenhams, to launching countless brands and inventing the beauty counter, we’ve consistently shaped the retail landscape.

We don’t underestimate the power of our brand or the place we hold in people’s hearts. This is only the beginning of the next chapter for Debenhams.

Britain needs Debenhams… Debenhams needs you

The Role

Debenhams Pay+ is evolving the way we serve our customers, partners, and teams through seamless, secure, and intuitive payment solutions. As we scale our offering across the Debenhams ecosystem, we’re looking for an exceptional Head of Finance to guide the financial strategy, governance, and performance of this rapidly developing business unit.

As Head of Finance for Debenhams Pay+, you will lead all financial operations, partnering closely with senior leadership to shape commercial decision making, drive sustainable growth, and ensure robust financial controls. This is a rare opportunity to build and influence a high impact function within a brand recognised across the UK.

What you will be doing

• Own the financial strategy for Debenhams Pay+ ensuring alignment with overall Group objectives
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, modelling, and long-range planning
• Build and manage financial governance, risk frameworks, and compliance processes
• Partner with Product, Technology, and Commercial teams to evaluate new initiatives and support strategic decision-making
• Oversee financial reporting, KPIs, and performance insights to influence direction and outcomes
• Manage relationships with internal and external auditors, regulators, and financial partners
• Develop and mentor a high‑performing finance team as Pay+ scales
• Implement efficient systems, processes, and controls that support growth and operational excellence

What value you can bring

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification (or equivalent)
• Significant post‑qualification experience in a senior finance role
• Experience within fintech, payments, retail, or another high volume, high regulation environment (preferred)
• Proven success building or scaling financial operations
• Proven team leadership experience
• Exceptional analytical, commercial, and communication skills
• A proactive mindset with the confidence to challenge, influence, and guide decisions
• Comfort operating in a fast moving, growth focused environment

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to take part in share schemes
• Core hours enable you to flex your working times around your needs on an ad hoc basis
• Benefits that support your health and wellbeing
• Up to 40% discount off our brands
• Social calendar – Next level
• Buzzing atmosphere with HQs in Manchester and London and offices across the globe (some are dog friendly)
• Boohoo family culture wherever you work