At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and design scalable financial processes for a fast-growing agency.
- Company: Join Onyx, a dynamic social commerce agency backed by ex-TikTok leaders.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, performance bonuses, health benefits, and a relaxed work environment.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative team and grow your career in an exciting industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a pioneering sector and shape the future of finance.
- Qualifications: ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with experience in fast-growth environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Onyx is a fast-scaling social commerce agency operating across the UK and expanding into Europe. Led by exited founders and ex-TikTok leadership, we work with some of the world’s most recognised brands — Crocs, Pandora, VF Group, John Lewis, and Foot Locker — and we’re backed by EIS funding. We’re growing quickly and now building the financial infrastructure to support that growth.
There is a huge shift in the media landscape as a new generation of consumers engages with social media to research products and shape their buying decisions rather than searching in traditional channels. Our mission is to guide brands on how they can maximise the exploding social commerce opportunity on TikTok and drive meaningful results for their business.
About the role
We are looking for an entrepreneurial and hands‑on Financial Controller to become our first in‑house finance hire. This is a pivotal role which will scale our in‑house finance function and will suit someone excited by designing and building processes from the ground up, excited by the emerging social commerce sector and not afraid to play a hands‑on role. You’ll come in, take ownership of our outsourced Finance partner relationship, continue to build our function in‑house, including the systems, controls, processes, and eventually the team. You’ll work closely with the founders, have real input into strategic decisions, and have the freedom to build things the right way from day one.
What you’ll own:
- Building the function
- Define the roadmap for transitioning from outsourced to in‑house finance
- Design and implement automated and scalable financial controls, systems, and processes
- Review and develop the current tech stack; accounting, expense management, payroll, reporting
- Build and lead the finance team as headcount grows
- Own month‑end close and produce accurate, timely management accounts
- Manage cash flow, working capital, and forecasting
- Oversee and manage AP, AR, and payroll
- Partner with the commercial and operations teams to ensure financial data accurately reflects the economics of the business. This will include new business and client revenue forecasting, client and business unit costs and profitability
- Maintain the general ledger and data integrity across all entities
Reporting & investor relations:
- Produce board‑ready financial reports for a five‑person investor panel
- Manage EIS compliance and reporting obligations
- Build financial models and scenario analysis to support strategic decisions
- Own the annual budget and forecasting processes
Compliance & expansion:
- Lead statutory accounts, audit, and tax compliance in the UK
- Build the multi‑entity accounting framework as Onyx expands into the EU
- Manage FX exposure across GBP/EUR as international revenues scale
- Be the primary point of contact for accountants, auditors, and advisors
What you will bring to the role:
- ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified, a few years post‑qualified
- Experience thriving in a fast‑growth SME or agency environment with ability to build from the ground up and adapt with scale
- A confident communicator with experience building relationships and dealing with senior stakeholders (leadership, investors, auditors)
- Take the hands‑on approach to succeed in a scale‑up environment by nature; you don’t wait for someone else to fix a problem
- A collaborative team player, but who can also work and lead independently
- Experience transitioning from an outsourced finance model is a real plus
- Comfortable with multi‑currency and multi‑entity complexity, or hungry to learn it
What we offer:
Onyx is an entrepreneurial and innovative business operating in a pioneering sector. All of our team members can make a huge contribution at this early stage of our business growth, challenge themselves and others, work with like‑minded individuals, and learn a lot in an exciting, relaxed and inclusive environment.
We offer:
- Pension contributions
- Performance bonus
- Health Cash Plan
- Hybrid working environment - 3 days office / 2 at home. Our HQ is London with a small team in Bristol so flexible across these locations
- 2 weeks work from anywhere allowance
- Health and Wellness benefits
- Home office/mobile/broadband allowance
- A high level of responsibility, autonomy and opportunity for growth
Financial Controller in London employer: Onyx Commerce
Onyx is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and entrepreneurial work environment where you can significantly impact the growth of a pioneering social commerce agency. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a culture that encourages innovation and collaboration, you'll have the opportunity to build and lead the finance function from the ground up while working alongside experienced founders and industry leaders. Join us in shaping the future of social commerce and enjoy a range of benefits including performance bonuses, health cash plans, and a supportive team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance and social commerce sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors on LinkedIn.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your achievements and how you've built financial processes in previous roles. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers and show them you mean business.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job at Onyx that excites you, apply through our website. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; take the leap and let us know why you’re the right fit for the Financial Controller role!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching Onyx and understanding our mission in the social commerce space. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with our goals and how you can contribute to building our finance function from the ground up.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Financial Controller. Highlight your experience in building financial processes and working in fast-paced environments, just like we do at Onyx.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to showcase your passion for social commerce and how your skills align with our mission. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Hands-On Experience:In your application, emphasise any hands-on roles you've had in finance. We’re looking for someone who isn’t afraid to dive in and tackle challenges head-on, so share those stories!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you into our hiring process quickly. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Onyx Commerce
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Be prepared to explain how you would approach building financial controls and systems from scratch.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role requires a hands-on approach, so share specific examples of when you've taken initiative in previous positions. Talk about times when you've successfully transitioned from outsourced finance to in-house, and how you tackled challenges during that process.
✨Understand the Social Commerce Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the social commerce sector, especially platforms like TikTok. Be ready to discuss how financial strategies can support growth in this area and how you can help brands maximise their potential in this evolving market.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since you'll be working closely with founders and investors, practice your communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with senior stakeholders in the past and how you plan to maintain those connections at Onyx.
