Controlling Manager

Our client, an established luxury retail outlet operator part of a leading international group, is looking for a Controller Manager based in Milan.

Purpose of the Role

The Controller Manager is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of the company’s financial operations while supporting strategic business decisions through financial planning, analysis, and reporting.

The role oversees budgeting, forecasting, financial controlling, treasury activities, and performance monitoring processes, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and Group reporting standards. Acting as a key business partner to management, the Controller Manager supports profitability optimization, cost control, and sustainable business growth through data-driven financial analysis and operational oversight.

The position collaborates closely with internal departments and external stakeholders to ensure sound financial governance and effective business performance management, including workforce cost planning and monitoring in partnership with HR.

The Controller Manager is also responsible for overseeing and approving payment processes related to purchase orders, invoices, and payroll, ensuring alignment with internal authorization procedures and financial policies.

In addition, the role acts as the main liaison between the local Finance function and the Group Finance teams, ensuring alignment on reporting standards, compliance requirements, financial processes, and strategic financial priorities.

Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Reporting

• Lead the preparation of annual Budgets, Forecasts, and Long-Term Financial Plans aligned with company objectives.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual closing activities ensuring accuracy and timely reporting.
• Ensure compliance with Group accounting principles, reporting standards, and internal procedures.
• Prepare financial analyses, management reports, and presentations to support business decision-making.

Business Performance & Controlling

• Monitor business performance through financial and operational KPIs.
• Analyze variances versus budget, forecast, and prior year, identifying risks and improvement opportunities.
• Support management with profitability analysis, business cases, and financial simulations for strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to the implementation and monitoring of retail and operational KPIs.

Cost Control & Personnel Cost Management

• Strengthen cost control processes through close collaboration with department heads.
• Monitor operating expenses and support optimization of company resources.
• Ensure financial discipline and efficient budget allocation across functions.
• Monitor personnel costs and workforce-related expenses in close collaboration with the HR department, supporting headcount planning, salary reviews, and organizational cost analysis.

Treasury & Payment Approval

• Oversee and approve payment processes related to purchase orders (POs), invoices, and payroll, ensuring compliance with internal authorization procedures and company policies.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of salary payments in coordination with HR and payroll providers.
• Monitor cash flow requirements and support treasury planning activities.
• Support the optimization of working capital and payment processes.

Business Partnership & Commercial Support

• Partner with commercial and operational teams to support business initiatives and revenue growth.
• Support the financial evaluation of commercial agreements and strategic projects.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support operational and strategic decisions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve financial awareness and accountability across the organization.

Group Finance Coordination & Governance

• Act as the key liaison with the Group Finance teams, ensuring alignment with corporate financial guidelines, reporting requirements, and internal controls.
• Coordinate financial reporting submissions, forecasting activities, and ad hoc analyses requested by HQ.
• Support the implementation of Group finance policies, procedures, and compliance standards across the organization.

Compliance & Audit

• Ensure adherence to internal controls, financial procedures, and company policies.
• Coordinate relationships with auditors, tax advisors, financial institutions, and external consultants.
• Support internal and external audit activities ensuring proper documentation and compliance standards.
• Monitor financial risks and support the implementation of corrective actions where necessary.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement of financial processes, reporting tools, and controlling systems.
• Support digitalization and automation initiatives within the Finance function.
• Promote a culture of accountability, efficiency, and analytical rigor across the organization.
• Contribute to change management initiatives impacting finance and business operations.

Relations

Internal relations:

• Steering Committee & Executive Board
• Department Heads (Retail, Marketing, Legal, Tourism Marketing, PR)
• Finance & Administration
• Facility & Construction Departments
• SPG HQ

External relations:

• Luxury Brands & Tenants
• Financial Institutions & Auditors
• Service Providers & Vendors
• Legal & Tax Advisors
• Public Authorities & Local Entities

The Candidate

Education and experience

• Master’s Degree in Finance
• 5–8 years of experience in Finance, Controlling, Audit, or Financial Planning roles
• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and business controlling
• Previous experience in Retail, Luxury, Consumer Goods, or international environments is considered a plus
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and manage relationships with multiple stakeholders.

Skills & Competencies

• Financial Planning, Budgeting & Controlling
• Financial Reporting, KPI Monitoring & Performance Analysis
• Cost Control, Treasury & Payment Management
• Personnel Cost Management & Business Partnering
• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Leadership, Communication & Stakeholder Management
• Process Improvement & Change Management
• Advanced Excel & ERP Systems Knowledge