At a Glance
- Tasks: Fix and streamline finance processes for a fast-growing deep tech company.
- Company: Join an innovative venture-backed deep tech business with exciting growth.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid work model, and hands-on experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to coach junior team members and work closely with leadership.
- Why this job: Shape finance operations and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial control and hands-on problem-solving.
Harmonic is partnering with a venture-backed deep tech business that pairs proprietary AI software with its own sensing hardware, already in use with UK government customers. Having recently closed a significant funding round and grown from under ten people to more than thirty in a year, the business is moving from R&D into production, with its first batch of units in build and large contracts in sight. Finance needs to be ready before those orders land.
This is a hands-on interim role of around six months, working alongside the Chief of Staff and closely with the COO. You will take a finance function that has grown faster than its processes, get the ledger right, deliver the December year-end and leave clean foundations and processes. It is primarily a fixer's role rather than a management one, with real scope to shape how finance works. You will also coach a part-qualified accounts assistant.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and correct nominal coding across the ledger, clearing out catch-all codes.
- Put inventory, cost of sales and fixed asset accounting on a proper footing, including stock, paid and unpaid customer trials, and demonstration units.
- Lead the December year-end and audit preparation, with the accounts turned round within four months.
- Build a rolling cash flow forecast, linking committed purchase orders to cash.
- Produce clear quarterly management accounts for the founder and board, written in plain English.
- Tighten purchase-to-pay controls in a newly implemented PO system: PO detail, supplier terms, payment status and moving suppliers onto account.
- Support R&D tax credit claims, lease accounting for new premises, and the set-up of invoicing and support-package billing ahead of larger contracts.
- Work alongside the external accountants, challenging their output where needed.
Essential Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA / CIMA / ACCA).
- Financial control experience in a hardware, manufacturing or physical product business, with strong grounding in inventory, cost of sales and fixed assets.
- Strong, current technical accounting, including delivering a year-end and audit.
- A genuinely hands-on approach: comfortable working from incomplete records and fixing problems at source.
- Able to explain finance clearly to non-finance founders and to develop junior team members.
Desirable Experience
- Experience in a scaling, venture-backed or engineering-led business; sector movers are welcome.
- R&D tax credit claims.
- Sage 50 and purchasing or inventory systems.
Day rate: £450-600 per day (Outside IR35)
Contract: 6 months
Location: Hybrid; 1-2 days per week in Cambridge.
Start Date: ASAP
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 Hardware Deep Tech Hybrid employer: Harmonic Group Ltd
Harmonic is an exceptional employer for the Interim Group Financial Controller role, offering a fully remote work environment that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. The company values inclusivity and provides opportunities for professional growth within a fast-paced, technology-driven sector, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact during a critical phase of the business's development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Financial Controller Hardware Deep Tech Hybrid
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Harmonic Group Ltd.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Harmonic Group Ltd might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Financial Controller Hardware Deep Tech Hybrid
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Harmonic Group Ltd will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Harmonic Group Ltd. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Harmonic Group Ltd confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harmonic Group Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Harmonic Group Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Harmonic Group Ltd that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
