Financial Controller, in Acton

We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join our growing team and take ownership of our financial data, operations and processes. This is a hands-on operational role focussed on building robust financial processes, managing day-to-day financial activities, supporting purchasing operations, and assisting with debt financing arrangements. Reporting to the CEO, as Finance Manager, you will be responsible for shaping financial strategy, developing and maintaining our financial reporting processes, implementing financial controls, managing month-end close procedures, and supporting our working capital management activities.

You will focus on business and cash flow forecasting, supplier payment terms negotiations, and debt facility management including managing relationships with trade finance providers. This role requires someone who thrives on building systems and processes from the ground up. You will take ownership of purchase order processing, supplier invoice management, and payment workflows, ensuring proper financial controls are maintained. The ideal candidate will have experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.

In addition to the usual statutory compliance activities, you will have a proven ability to implement financial processes, manage purchasing activities, and support debt financing arrangements in fast-paced, growing businesses.

• Financial Processing, Reporting and Process Development

Manage all aspects of finance including statutory compliance and risk management. Own month-end financial close process and production of timely, accurate management accounts. Develop and document financial processes to support business growth. Implement and maintain robust financial controls across all operational areas. Create and maintain financial reporting dashboards for management. Manage payroll processing and ensure compliance with statutory reporting. Support preparation of board reporting materials and annual financial statements.

• Purchasing and Supplier Management

Monitor and propose solutions to supply management issues including cost management. Own purchase order creation, approval workflows, and invoice processing. Implement and maintain purchasing controls and three-way matching procedures. Support COO with supplier payment scheduling to optimise working capital. Maintain supplier master data and ensure accurate record-keeping and data integrity. Process supplier payments in accordance with agreed terms and cash availability.

• Working Capital and Cash Management

Maintain daily and weekly cash flow forecasting and monitoring. Track and report on working capital metrics and cash conversion cycle. Maintain working capital models to support commercial decision-making. Implement processes to track and manage accounts payable and receivable. Analyse payment terms impact on working capital requirements. Establish & maintain finance solutions for the business and, where appropriate, customer requirements. Develop relationships with debt providers and process applications. Manage compliance reporting for existing debt facilities and lender covenants.

• Systems and Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and efficiency gains. Support implementation of financial systems and software upgrades. Develop standardised templates and documentation for financial procedures. Work with teams to integrate financial controls into business operations.

• Must-haves

Part-qualified or qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or relevant experience. 4-6 years finance experience with 1-2 years at Finance Manager or similar level. Previous employment in manufacturing, engineering, or hardware businesses. Strong understanding of working capital management and cash flow forecasting. Hands-on experience with MRP planning and PO processing including supplier invoice management. History of supporting debt financing activities or working with external lenders as part of small business financing activities. Proven track record of month-end close and management accounts preparation. Experience implementing financial controls in a growth environment.

• Highly Desirable

Previous experience in the renewable energy, EV, battery, or cleantech sectors. Experience with ERP systems, preferably in implementation or upgrade projects. Operating with trade finance facilities and invoice factoring arrangements. Previous startup or scale-up exposure. Leading or supporting fundraising processes including investor reporting.

• Skills & Knowledge

Strong financial modelling skills in Excel including cash flow forecasting. Ability to build and document financial processes from the ground up. Knowledge of R&D tax credits and grant funding processes. Xero capability or an equivalent Accounts package. Ability to identify and mitigate financial risk in a rapidly evolving industry. Strong attention to detail with systematic approach to process documentation. Process-oriented with strong systems thinking and documentation skills. Hands-on operator who takes ownership of deliverables. Self-starter able to work independently with minimal supervision. Strong collaboration skills and ability to work across functions. Comfortable with ambiguity and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Practical problem-solver with commercial awareness. Passion for sustainable technology and clean energy solutions.