At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and shape financial strategies for a rapidly growing grocery brand.
- Company: Join a premium consumer brand on an exciting growth journey in the UK market.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £90,000 plus a 10% bonus and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity to build and own the finance function from the ground up.
- Why this job: Be the first finance hire and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in fast-growing consumer goods or grocery sectors.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a premium consumer brand on a hypergrowth trajectory in the UK grocery market, with annual revenues of circa £40m and strong listings across all major retailers. It is a small, high-performing team with real ambition, and a genuine opportunity to establish and own the in-house finance function inside one of the most exciting growth stories in UK grocery right now.
This is the first dedicated finance hire for the UK entity. The Financial Controller will report directly into the CEO, with a dotted line to the Group CFO. You will own the full UK finance function: statutory reporting, tax, compliance, treasury, and commercial partnering with Sales and Marketing. It is a genuinely hands-on role with significant scope; the business is growing fast and there is a clear opportunity to shape the finance function as it matures toward full subsidiary status. There is no existing team to inherit, making ownership mentality and the ability to operate independently essential from day one.
Key Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end monthly and annual close, coordinating with an external accounting services provider
- Prepare statutory financial statements under UK GAAP and oversee all balance sheet reconciliations
- Ensure compliance with UK tax regulations including VAT and Corporation Tax; manage external tax advisors and auditors
- Lead statutory audits and serve as the primary point of contact for all external advisors
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis in collaboration with the UK MD and group headquarters
- Partner with Sales and Supply Chain to ensure accurate accounting of trade spend, rebates, and commercial agreements
- Oversee treasury, cash flow, banking relationships, and payment and collections processes
- Drive process improvements and build a robust internal control framework as the entity scales
Qualifications
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Experience with ERP systems, ideally SAP
- Experience in a fast-growing branded consumer goods or grocery business
- Exposure to a business in the process of building or formalising its finance function
Salary: Up to £90,000 + 10% bonus | Location: Central London, Hybrid
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.
Financial Controller | Rapidly Scaling Grocery & FMCG Brand | Central London / Hybrid employer: Harmonic FinanceTM | Certified B Corp
Contact Detail:
Harmonic FinanceTM | Certified B Corp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller | Rapidly Scaling Grocery & FMCG Brand | Central London / Hybrid
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience with ERP systems and your ability to operate independently, as these are key for this fast-growing brand.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller | Rapidly Scaling Grocery & FMCG Brand | Central London / Hybrid
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Controller. Highlight your experience in statutory reporting, tax compliance, and any hands-on roles you've had in finance functions. We want to see how you can own this position!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about joining a rapidly scaling grocery brand and how your skills align with the company's ambitions. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for this dynamic team.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience in fast-growing environments, especially in consumer goods or grocery sectors. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make that clear!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harmonic FinanceTM | Certified B Corp
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the grocery and FMCG sectors. Be ready to discuss how you've managed statutory reporting and compliance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Independence
This role requires an ownership mentality, so be prepared to share examples of when you've taken initiative in past positions. Highlight situations where you successfully operated independently and drove process improvements.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the UK grocery market. Being able to discuss how these trends impact financial strategies will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker who understands the business.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be partnering with Sales and Marketing, think about how you can effectively communicate financial insights to non-financial colleagues. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with other departments to achieve common goals.