Financial Controller in London

On behalf of our client, an established premium spirits business, we are seeking an exceptional Financial Controller — a natural leader, team builder, and trusted business partner — to play a pivotal role in a fast-growing, ambitious organisation. This is a high-impact opportunity for a commercially minded finance leader who thrives in dynamic environments where bold ideas, hands‐on execution, and cross‐functional collaboration drive success. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will play a crucial role in strengthening financial foundations, scaling systems and teams, and supporting the next phase of growth.

The Role

As Financial Controller, you will act as both a strategic partner and operational leader. You will bring clarity to financial reporting, enhance internal controls, and ensure finance systems, processes, and people are future‐ready. You will also work closely with Operations, Marketing, and Commercial teams, providing insight and leadership across multiple business units and sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Finance Director to shape financial and operational strategy across multiple entities and geographies.
• Lead with integrity and vision, fostering a culture of ownership, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a strategic sounding board to senior leaders and drive cross‐functional initiatives aligned to business priorities.
• Deliver accurate, timely, and insightful management accounts and KPI reporting to support decision‐making.
• Own month‐end processes, journal entries, and balance sheet reconciliations across multiple divisions and systems.
• Ensure financial integrity through robust control of ERP postings, control accounts, year‐end close, and audit processes.

Operations & Regulatory Compliance

• Develop and maintain financial structures for operational environments, including costing models, stock tracking, utilities, and labour allocations.
• Oversee implementation and optimisation of operational and warehousing ERP modules.
• Ensure full compliance with HMRC requirements, including VAT, excise duty, payroll taxes, and audit trails.

ERP & Systems

• Lead finance ownership of ERP systems, including troubleshooting, managing external consultants, and improving integration and reporting.
• Design system‐led solutions that balance compliance, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Inspire, coach, and develop a high‐performing finance team.
• Build a high‐trust environment with strong performance standards and opportunities for growth.
• Upskill the team to improve resilience, knowledge sharing, and long‐term capability.

Payroll & People Costing

• Lead payroll accounting, reconciliation, and allocation of staff costs.
• Ensure accuracy, compliance, and insightful analysis of people‐related expenses.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary finance contact for auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate closely with FP&A and business leaders to translate financial data into commercial insight.
• Operate confidently in a fast‐paced, entrepreneurial environment where priorities evolve.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to operational sites and meet critical business deadlines.

What You Bring

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Proven experience leading and developing finance teams in growth‐oriented environments.
• Strong ERP expertise, with a passion for systems optimisation.
• Hands‐on experience with month‐end, year‐end, and statutory reporting.
• Solid understanding of UK tax and regulatory reporting (VAT, excise, payroll tax, corporate tax).
• Experience within FMCG, manufacturing, or regulated production environments.
• Strong track record of cross‐functional collaboration and stakeholder management.

Key Behaviours

• Visionary Leader – Motivates others and sets a clear, compelling direction.
• Hands‐On Operator – Leads by example and isn’t afraid to get into the details.
• Clear Communicator – Translates complexity into clarity and action.
• Relationship Builder – Builds trust quickly with internal and external stakeholders.
• Problem Solver – Thrives in ambiguity and delivers practical, commercial solutions.
• Detail‐Focused with Strategic Insight – Balances precision with big‐picture thinking.