We are working with one of the UK’s most exciting consumer challenger brands in the food & drink space — a fast-scaling, mission-driven business with a passionate team, a category-defining product, and serious growth momentum. With expansion across retail, wholesale and DTC channels, the brand is now looking to hire a Financial Controller who will take full ownership of the finance function and play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of scale.
This is a rare opportunity to join a high-growth business as the financial lead, partnering closely with founders and senior stakeholders to drive commercial decision-making, strengthen financial discipline, and build processes that can scale.
The Role
As Financial Controller, you will become the heartbeat of the finance function — responsible for delivering accurate financials, insightful reporting, and robust controls, while acting as a key business partner across the organisation. You will lead the month-end cycle, oversee accounting operations, support commercial planning, and help the brand navigate rapid growth with confidence.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Control & Month-End
* Own the preparation and maintenance of all accounting and financial records.
* Lead the full month-end close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
* Oversee AR/AP processes (supported by Finance Assistants), ensuring full reconciliation.
* Manage balance sheet reconciliations, with particular focus on stock, purchasing and accruals.
Management Reporting & Insight
* Produce monthly Management Accounts, including P&L, Cashflow and Balance Sheet.
* Present performance updates to senior leaders, highlighting risks, opportunities and trends.
* Deliver departmental spend reports, supporting budget owners across Sales, Marketing, Ops and Supply Chain.
Compliance
* Take responsibility for financial returns such as VAT submissions, statutory filings and HMRC requirements.
* Work with auditors and external partners on year-end accounts.
Business Partnering
* Act as the lead finance partner in the monthly planning cycle.
* Provide commercial guidance and insight to non-finance stakeholders.
* Support ad hoc strategic projects, including ERP implementation, profitability analysis and process optimisation.
Budgeting & Forecasting
* Develop and implement financial controls, monitoring spend vs budget.
* Run budget-holder meetings and help prepare annual budgets and cashflow forecasts.
Team Leadership & Processes
* Oversee Finance Assistants, ensuring processes are accurate, timely and continuously improving.
* Document financial procedures and help optimise systems and workflows.
* Identify and implement opportunities for efficiency, automation and improved accuracy.
About You
This role will suit someone who thrives in a high-intensity, pacey consumer brand environment and enjoys building structure around growth. You’ll be energised by challenge, comfortable taking ownership, and able to influence stakeholders across the business.
What we’re looking for:
* Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACA/ACCA or equivalent).
* Strong communicator capable of explaining complex matters to non-financial colleagues.
* Exceptional attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
* Experience in consumer goods, FMCG or a high-growth start-up environment (ideal).
* Strong understanding of retail, wholesale, DTC, stock management and cost accounting.
* Intermediate/advanced Excel skills.
* Experience with accounting/stock systems such as Xero, SAP, QBO or Unleashed.
* Proactive, hands-on and able to manage multiple priorities with autonomy.
What’s on Offer
* Hybrid working (London office + home).
* High autonomy and the chance to build and shape the finance function.
* Direct exposure to founders, senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
* Significant scope for growth and progression as the brand scales.
* A supportive, energetic culture that values ownership, curiosity and continuous improvement.
* Competitive salary and flexible benefits package.