Financial Controller in Manchester

Location: Manchester, Trafford Park or Wallasey, Merseyside (attendance at both sites will be required on a weekly basis)

Pension (7.5% employer contribution) + Share Options + Flexible and Hybrid Working + Health, Dental and Mental Health Care + Income Protection + Electric and Plug-In Hybrid car scheme + Company reward & discount platform + More!

About Us: Holiferm is facilitating the transition of the $42 billion surfactant market away from harmful, fossil fuel-based chemicals to biodegradable, sustainable biosurfactants. We are spearheading research and production into this innovative technology and, as such, are offering the opportunity to make an impact towards a more sustainable future. Our patented fermentation process with integrated gravity separation technology enables us to produce competitively priced biosurfactants at a commercial scale. At Holiferm, you will have the platform to broaden your skills by working with field leaders within a dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive working environment. Whether you are based in our research and development laboratory in Manchester or our commercial plant in Wallasey, you will have the freedom and autonomy to drive innovation and change. Our mission is to eliminate the need for petrochemicals in the production process and provide our customers with 100% biobased formulations.

Job purpose: Reporting to the Finance Director, the Financial Controller (hands-on) will own the day-to-day financial operations of the business, ensuring accurate, timely, and well-controlled financial reporting. This role is responsible for running the monthly close, maintaining balance sheet integrity, managing cash flow, and providing reliable financial information to support decision-making in a fast-growing startup environment. The Financial Controller will work closely with the Finance Director, FP&A, and the Assistant Accountant acting as the operational backbone of the finance function while remaining actively involved in the detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Operations & Reporting
  • Own and deliver the monthly close process, including journals, accruals, prepayments, and reconciliations
  • Maintain full ownership of the general ledger and balance sheet, ensuring all control accounts are accurate and issues are resolved promptly
  • Prepare and review monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow
  • Investigate variances and work with budget holders to understand performance drivers
  • Ensure financial data is accurate, well-documented, and audit-ready at all times.
• Cash, Controls & Governance
  • Own cash flow forecasting and liquidity management, working closely with the Finance Director
  • Authorise payments and ensure expenditure is appropriately controlled and aligned with budgets
  • Implement and maintain practical financial controls and processes suitable for a growing startup
  • Oversee VAT, ERS, and other statutory filings, ensuring compliance and timely submission
  • Review insurance policies and maintain appropriate financial governance frameworks
• Team & Month-End Support
  • Provide day-to-day oversight and support to the transactional finance resource (PL/SL)
  • Act as the primary owner of month-end, stepping in hands-on where required to meet deadlines
  • Support the development of finance team capabilities and processes as the business scales
• External & Special Projects
  • Act as the main point of contact for external auditors, coordinating statutory accounts and audit processes
  • Prepare grant claims in collaboration with the innovation and operations teams
  • Support budgeting, forecasting, and reforecasting alongside FP&A
  • Assist the Finance Director with ad hoc projects, including financial modelling, fundraising support, and share-related activities

Core Skills

• Essential
  • Comfortable owning and delivering finance processes end-to-end
  • Highly organised with strong attention to detail and time management
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data clearly
  • Confident working independently in a lean, fast-moving environment
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across the business
  • Willing and able to remain hands-on, particularly during month-end and busy periods
• Desirable
  • Experience working in a startup or high-growth SME
  • Background in accounting practice (audit or advisory)
  • Experience building or improving financial dashboards and reporting tools
  • Interest in technology, automation, or AI applications in finance
  • Alignment with sustainability or environmentally focused organisations

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)
• Minimum 12 months post-qualification experience
• Proven experience preparing and owning management accounts and month-end close
• Experience supporting or supervising transactional finance activity
• Strong Excel skills and experience using Sage 50 (or similar SME accounting systems)
• High level of general IT literacy

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and quality while actively fostering a positive culture and wellbeing across the team. An agile and adaptable approach is essential, alongside a collaborative mindset that encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing. Clear and effective communication underpins success, complemented by the ability to work autonomously with accountability. Finally, a proactive, solution-focused attitude ensures challenges are addressed efficiently and constructively.

Holiferm is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace. If you're excited about this role and meet most of the key requirements, we encourage you to apply - your unique experience and perspective could be exactly what we need.