Alaïa Internal Controller

Overview

Alaïa is a Parisian luxury fashion house renowned for its sculptural approach to womenswear and meticulous artisanal craftsmanship. The maison operates a compact, design-driven organisation combining an atelier culture with international retail and wholesale operations, offering employees close collaboration between creative, production and commercial functions.

Role & Responsibilities

• Design, execute and document internal control testing and audits across finance, retail boutiques, wholesale, production and logistics.
• Lead risk assessments and translate findings into prioritized remediation actions with measurable deadlines.
• Review and strengthen operational processes related to inventory management, stock reconciliations, cash handling and procurement.
• Coordinate with Finance, Legal, HR and Store teams to ensure consistent application of internal policies and accounting procedures.
• Prepare clear, executive-level audit reports with concrete recommendations and follow up on implementation of corrective measures.
• Support month-end and year-end control activities, ad hoc investigations and periodic compliance reviews.
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects, including ERP implementations or upgrades, from a controls and process perspective.

Qualifications

• Degree in accounting, finance, audit or equivalent; professional accounting/audit qualification (e.g., ACCA/ICA/DSCG/DCG) preferred.
• Proven practical experience in internal audit, internal controls or risk management within luxury goods, retail or related sectors.
• Strong knowledge of accountancy principles and inventory accounting; familiarity with IFRS and French accounting practice is advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present findings to senior stakeholders and operational teams.

Skills

Experience

Typically 3+ years in internal audit, financial controls or risk roles, ideally within the luxury fashion, retail, wholesale or consumer goods sectors. Experience conducting on-site store and warehouse audits is highly valued.

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or equivalent; a recognised professional audit or accounting qualification is preferred.

Workplace

Culture

Alaïa fosters a discreet, craftsmanship-led workplace where design excellence and operational rigour coexist. The environment is collaborative and fast-paced, with close interaction between creative ateliers and commercial teams, valuing attention to detail and professional discretion.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.