At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead month-end close and manage external audit preparation for a fast-growing tech scaleup.
- Company: Join a high-growth, investor-backed D2C subscription business in London.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid work model, and dynamic team environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse applicants; excellent opportunity for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a rapidly scaling company while enhancing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong audit and financial control experience.
Harmonic are delighted to be partnering with a high-growth, investor-backed D2C subscription business in their search for an Interim Financial Controller on a 6 month contract, who has strong experience owning month-end and leading an external audit. The business has scaled quickly to a team of several hundred and handles a high volume of customer payments. With the year-end audit approaching, they need an experienced finance professional to keep financial control tight and lead the audit preparation, providing cover while a permanent appointment is made.
This opportunity will suit someone with strong technical accounting and audit experience who is happy to be hands-on, cares about controls and process, and can get up to speed quickly.
The Role
- Working closely with the Director of Finance and the FP&A team, you will own the month-end close, day-to-day finance operations and the preparation for the year-end audit.
- You will manage the Finance Assistant and take a handover from the current Finance Manager.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the month-end close, keeping it accurate and on schedule.
- Lead the pre-audit preparation over the coming weeks, then support or lead the external audit from February.
- Act as a main point of contact for the external auditors and contribute to the statutory accounts.
- Manage the Finance Assistant and oversee payment runs, invoice processing, banking and cash forecasting.
- Prepare the group consolidation, working with the FP&A team.
- Keep on top of compliance, including VAT and maintaining the cap table with the outsourced accountants.
- Strengthen financial controls and close out open audit recommendations.
- Find manual steps in finance processes and remove them, using systems and AI tools.
What We Need to See (Essential)
- Fully qualified accountant with audit training (ACA or CA preferred).
- Experience as a Finance Manager, Senior Finance Manager or Financial Controller, with ownership of the month-end close.
- Experience leading or managing an external audit and preparing statutory accounts.
- A background in financial control and finance operations, as opposed to FP&A.
- Experience in a high-transaction environment such as D2C, subscription or retail (ideally with exposure to payment gateways).
- Able to start before November and be in the office three days a week.
Day Rate: £450-£525 per day, outside of IR35
Start Date: ASAP, before November
Location: London / Hybrid (3 days in the office)
At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.
Interim Financial Controller - Series D Technology Scaleup | London, Hybrid employer: Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp
Join an innovative AI-native fintech start-up in London, where you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the compliance function from the ground up. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this company not only values diversity but also encourages curiosity and creativity in modernising compliance practices. Enjoy the benefits of working alongside a founding team with a proven track record in banking and payments, all while contributing to a mission-driven environment that prioritises meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Financial Controller - Series D Technology Scaleup | London, Hybrid
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Financial Controller - Series D Technology Scaleup | London, Hybrid
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Harmonic Finance | Certified B Corp employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.