We are working closely with a growing, multi:site operation combining a busy restaurant, a food:led retail store. The business operates in a fast:paced, high:volume environment where stock, margins, and labour costs change daily. Think craft beer, burgers, premium groceries, and a constant flow of footfall : both eat:in and grab:and:go. There are currently multiple locations, each with its own P and L, but with centralised finance.
The Financial Controller needs a hands:on, reliable Management Accountant who understands the unique pressures of hospitality and retail : from stock shrinkage to split:second EPOS data.
This is not a remote back:office role. The business needs someone who can sit between the books and the shop floor. You will work directly with the FC to:
Key Responsibilities
* Manage purchase ledger, sales ledger, and bank reconciliations across all sites
* Process supplier invoices and match to delivery notes (high volume : food, drink, packaging, retail goods)
* Reconcile EPOS data (till systems) to daily sales reports and bank deposits
* Prepare weekly cash flow forecasts and monitor daily banking
* Assist with weekly and month:end stock takes (food, drink, retail merchandise)
* Analyse stock variances, wastage, theft, and over:pouring
* Calculate accurate gross profit by product category (e.g., fresh food, alcohol, packaged goods)
* Work with site managers to reduce shrinkage and improve margin
* Produce individual P and Ls for each location and a consolidated view
* Track key hospitality/retail metrics: average spend, cover counts, GP, labour, wastage
* Identify underperforming sites or product lines
* Prepare VAT returns (including food vs non:food, zero:rated, standard:rated : hospitality/retail specific)
* Support with payroll data (hourly staff, tips, tronc)
* Assist with year:end audit and stock valuation
* Deputise for the FC when required
Essential Candidate Profile
* Hospitality and/or retail experience : has worked in a restaurant group, pub chain, cafe operator, deli, or multisite convenience retail business.
* Multisite understanding : knows that each site has its own personality, team, and stock challenges.
* Stock:savvy : comfortable with stock sheets, variance reports, and chasing site teams for accuracy.
* Systems:capable : can handle EPOS, accounting software (Xero/Sage/QuickBooks), and Excel (pivot tables, lookups).
* Hard:working and autonomous : needs minimal supervision, but knows when to elevate to the FC.
* Process:driven : will suggest better ways to track wastage, automate supplier reconciliations, or speed up month:end.
Desirable (but not essential)
* Experience with hospitality:specific software (e.g., Fourth, Apicbase, or EPOS back:office tools).
* Knowledge of multi:VAT rates in food and drink (e.g., eat:in vs takeaway, alcohol, soft drinks).
* Previously managed or supported a team of site:level administrators.
What the Role Offers
* Direct line to the FC : real responsibility, not just data entry.
* A hybrid working pattern (some days at the Walthamstow head office/site, some from home).
* The chance to shape finance processes in a growing hospitality/retail group.
* A down:to:earth, high:energy culture : no corporate excess.
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