Financial Controller in London

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.