Financial Controller in Edinburgh

Who we are: Exergy3 is a pioneering company specialising in ultra-high temperature thermal energy storage technology, with a mission to drive the decarbonisation of heat across Europe and beyond. As a spin-out from the University of Edinburgh, we are at the forefront of clean heat innovation, providing scalable, efficient, and cost-effective decarbonisation solutions for industrial processes and large-scale building heating.

About the role: We are looking for a Financial Controller who will manage the financial operations of the company, an individual who thrives in a dynamic startup environment, enjoys building financial processes from the ground up, and wants to make a real impact in energy innovation. Based in our Edinburgh office, this is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to scale and shape the future of the Exergy3 finance function. This role will ideally suit an experienced, technically strong finance professional with real breadth and influence. You will ensure the organisation's core financial operations are well-run, compliant, and resilient. This is a role for someone who takes pride in strong fundamentals, clear reporting, and building solid systems and processes. Reporting into the CEO (initially), your role will include assessing, improving, and implementing new systems, controls and procedures, producing monthly management information, cashflows, budgets, forecasts, payroll and any other duties as required by the organisation. The role will also include automating several manual legacy processes and helping the business become more efficient as we expand into Europe (GmbH).

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with leadership on decision-making, financial management, and investor reporting.
• Oversee payroll, accounts payable/receivable, support and develop a growing finance team.
• Own month-end and year-end close, producing accurate financial reports and insights.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning across all business functions.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and ensure financial sustainability through growth.
• Build and maintain internal controls, compliance, and audit readiness.
• Ensure UK statutory and tax compliance, while preparing for international expansion (GmbH).

What you will do:

• Oversee financial management of the company, including direct management of processes including purchase invoices, sales, credit/bank card reconciliations and expenses reconciliations.
• Prepare the annual budget/forecasts with the CEO and wider management team.
• Lead on developing budgets for prospective projects in line with business strategy.
• Prepare quarterly management accounts with cash flow forecasts.
• Create and maintain annual and multi-year budgets, including Company Budget and Management Accounts, ensuring expenditure is tightly controlled, and savings are made where possible.
• Manage the reconciliation of project budgets and monitoring expenditure by the wider team.
• Support the Company in developing new financial systems and practices in line with company growth.
• Process invoices and payroll, ensuring that all payments are processed in a timely manner.
• Ensure appropriate and up-to-date financial risk management (policies, procedures, controls) are embedded throughout the company at strategic and operational levels.
• Manage grant and investment financial reporting and claims.
• Manage all internal record keeping and online finance systems (Xero).
• Preparation of VAT returns, the annual report and year-end accounts; acting as the main contact with the auditors.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Financial Controller or senior finance role in an SME or start-up.
• At least 5 years' experience of working in financial or management reporting in a similar role with comparable responsibilities and targets.
• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of management accounting and cash-flow management.
• Experience working in a fast-growth or tech environment (preferred).
• Demonstrable knowledge of Xero and other accounting software; advanced Excel skills.
• Experience of working closely with budget holders and non-finance stakeholders.
• Able to identify solutions, lead and implement company-wide changes, improvements and efficiencies.
• Responsive to competing needs, able to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Strong delivery focus, taking on end-to-end ownership of projects and/or products.

Who you are:

• Hands-on; comfortable 'rolling up sleeves'.
• Commercially aware, proactive.
• Clear communicator who can explain finance to non-finance stakeholders.
• Adaptable and comfortable in an evolving startup environment.
• Trustworthy, organised, highly accountable.

Benefits

• Key role in a growing tech start-up at the forefront of clean energy technology.
• Opportunity to shape finance processes from the ground up.
• Close collaboration with founders and senior leadership.
• Competitive salary £55,000 - £70,000 and EMI options.
• Edinburgh-based with flexible hybrid working.
• Compressed Hours (35 hr/week).
• Days of annual leave per year.