Job Title
: Financial Controller
Reports To
: Managing Director
Location
: Leon HO, SE1 0EN (optional 1 day working from home)
Employment Type
: Full-time
About the role:
We are seeking a
Financial Controller
to lead the finance function at
LEON
, overseeing all financial reporting, statutory compliance, and operational finance across both restaurant and grocery divisions.
This role is central to shaping
LEON's
financial strategy, acting as the key finance partner to the senior leadership team. You will manage management accounts, reporting cycles, and transactional controls, while driving financial planning and performance insight for the Managing Director and stakeholders.
The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a collaborative approach, with the ability to influence decision-making and contribute to the long-term growth of the business. Experience in the hospitality or QSR sector is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage monthly accounts, overseeing preparation from trial balance to financial statements
* Lead the development and mentorship of a team of accountants
* Coordinate and review month-end, quarter-end and year-end financial tasks
* Review the balance sheet reconciliation process
* Prepare and ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting to senior leadership team and stakeholders
* Plan and execute audit processes, ensuring prompt completion and maintaining auditor relationships
* Oversee preparation and submission of year-end statutory accounts compliant with UK GAAP
* Managing audits and change required as necessary
* Liaising with tax advisors and ensuring compliance within all aspects of the finance team
* Develop and uphold robust processes and controls aligned with
LEON
standards
* Ensure adherence to internal policies across all tasks and activities within the estate
* Continuously assess and enhance finance systems, processes and controls
* Implement the latest accounting policies and standards
* Undertake various ad-hoc projects as needed
What We're Looking For
* Fully qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA with 3+ years post qualified experience
* Must have worked in the hospitality sector ideally within QSR (Quick Service Restaurant)
* BA/BSc degree or equivalent qualification is preferred
* Thorough understanding of IFRS and/or local GAAP
* Demonstrated ability to ensure compliance with internal controls and audit processes
* Proactive in anticipating and responding to external business changes
* Proven experience in managing and developing teams within a collaborative and high-performing environment
* Ambitious, motivated individual with the drive to succeed, who inspires others to achieve goals through visionary leadership and mentorship
What We Offer
* A role at the heart of a leading international brand, within a dynamic and forward-thinking team
* Competitive salary, performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits
* BUPA private healthcare
* LEON
food on shift, plus 60% discount for friends and family
* Pension scheme
* Generous employee discount
* Health and wellbeing programme
About LEON:
At
LEON
, we're redefining what fast food can be: feel-good fuel that powers your day, without compromising on flavour or the planet. We believe fast food should energise, not slow you down. Born from a simple idea shared by three friends in 2004, we set out to make fast, nutritious, and delicious food accessible to everyone. Our vibrant, high-protein menu is freshly prepared, packed with plants, good fats, and bold flavours inspired by ingredients from around the world.
Today,
LEON
is more than just 'a place to eat', we're an omnichannel brand, bringing our feel-good food to life across restaurants, travel hubs, grocery aisles, bestselling cookbooks, and beyond. We're a team guided by strong values, placing kindness at the heart of everything we do, from random acts of kindness to speaking openly and honestly. We celebrate achievements as a team, embracing challenges and striving to win together. Sustainability shapes our decisions, ensuring they're beneficial for our people, our business, and the planet.