At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team, prepare management accounts, and oversee budgeting and forecasting.
- Company: Join a pioneering UK advertising firm known for innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive under pressure and seek to drive financial excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced industry while mentoring a talented team.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA, CIMA, or ACCA qualified with prior experience as a Financial Controller.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Harper May is working with a founder‑led restaurant group operating across London and the South East. The business has grown organically over the past eight years and now runs twelve established sites with consistent unit economics and a pipeline for further expansion. Recent investment in kitchen systems and point‑of‑sale technology is driving operational efficiency, and the owner is now building out the finance function to support the next phase of growth. The business is seeking a Financial Controller to embed financial rigour across the estate and provide the operational visibility needed to scale.
The Role
Reporting to the Finance Director, you will own month‑end and year‑end close, statutory compliance, and financial control across all sites. You will work closely with restaurant managers and operations leadership to translate numbers into actionable insight‑identifying cost drift, margin pressure, and cash flow risk as they emerge. The role sits at the intersection of technical finance and commercial partnership in a hands‑on, owner‑led environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the close process, manage the general ledger, and produce timely management accounts
- Prepare statutory accounts and ensure compliance with accounting standards
- Establish and maintain financial controls, including bank reconciliations, expense coding, and balance sheet review
- Manage the external audit and coordinate tax compliance
- Build and own the annual budget; support quarterly reforecasts and cash flow planning
- Work with site teams on labour scheduling impact, food cost tracking, and local P&L accountability
- Review finance processes and identify opportunities to streamline reporting or tighten control
What we are looking for
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, or equivalent experience and professional standing
- Demonstrated experience in restaurants, hospitality, or consumer‑facing multi‑unit businesses
- Strong technical competency in financial reporting, consolidation, and statutory close
- Comfortable translating financial data into plain language for non‑finance audiences
- Pragmatic problem‑solver who thrives in a growing, informal culture
- Self‑directed and comfortable working with minimal supervision in a tight‑knit team
Financial Controller in London employer: Harper May Ltd
Harper May Ltd. is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and creative work culture, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the media and events sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, the company offers unique opportunities to lead finance initiatives while collaborating closely with the executive team, ensuring that your contributions are both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance and advertising sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role of a Financial Controller.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in financial reporting and compliance, especially within the advertising industry. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in your field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with forecasting and budgeting in detail during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed these processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your Excel and financial modelling skills through practical examples. If possible, bring along a portfolio of your work or be prepared to discuss how you've used these skills to drive decision-making in past positions.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Financial Controller. Emphasise your financial leadership skills, qualifications (ACA, CIMA, or ACCA), and any experience with investor reporting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention specific achievements in financial management and how they align with the company's goals in the advertising sector.
Highlight Key Skills:In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as forecasting, budgeting, and revenue recognition. Use examples to demonstrate your mastery of Excel and financial modelling.
Showcase Leadership Experience:Since the role involves leading a finance team, include examples of your leadership style and how you've mentored team members in previous positions. This will show your ability to foster a culture of excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harper May Ltd
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a Financial Controller, it's crucial to demonstrate your expertise in financial management. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences with management accounts, forecasting, and budgeting. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've driven financial performance in past roles.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a growing finance team, so it's important to convey your leadership style. Share instances where you've mentored team members or led initiatives that improved team performance. Emphasise your ability to foster a culture of excellence within the team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to tax obligations, revenue recognition, and investor reporting. Brush up on relevant regulations and best practices, and be ready to explain how you ensure compliance and accuracy in these areas. This will showcase your technical proficiency and attention to detail.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities are key for this position. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to stakeholders. Consider sharing examples of how you've built trust and transparency with investors or board members.
