At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and reporting for a dynamic coffee trading business.
- Company: Fast-growing coffee trading company based in London with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and exposure to international markets.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the coffee industry.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in finance roles, preferably in commodity trading or agriculture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Origin Commodities
Origin Commodities UK is a fast-growing physical coffee trading company headquartered in London. We source high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffee from origins including Ethiopia, Brazil, Vietnam, Honduras, and Colombia, supplying leading roasters and traders across the UK and Europe. Following a transformational year with revenues exceeding US$28m and volumes of 4200+ MT in 2025, we are scaling our operations and strengthening our finance function to support continued growth. The target for 2026 stands at 7500MT with approx. US$50m in annual revenue.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Financial Controller to join our leadership team in London. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will take ownership of all financial operations, controls, and reporting for the coffee trading business. This is a hands-on role requiring deep understanding of commodity trading finance, trade finance instruments, and the ability to operate in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. You will work closely with the trading desk, operations team, and our India-based shared services centre to ensure robust financial management as the business scales.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Control & Reporting
- Own the month-end and year-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting
- Prepare monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and board reporting packs
- Maintain and improve internal controls over financial reporting, inventory, and cash management
- Oversee statutory accounts preparation and liaise with external auditors
- Ensure compliance with UK GAAP / IFRS and relevant tax regulations
- Trading & Commercial Finance
- Monitor and report on trading P&L, margin analysis, and position profitability by customer and origin
- Work closely with traders to analyse deal profitability, pricing, and hedging performance
- Oversee inventory valuation, mark-to-market processes, and commodity position reporting
- Support commercial decision-making with timely financial analysis and scenario modelling
- Treasury & Working Capital
- Manage cash flow forecasting, liquidity planning, and banking relationships
- Oversee trade finance operations including letters of credit, invoice discounting, and shipment financing
- Monitor and optimise financing costs, working with lenders to secure competitive terms
- Manage FX exposure and coordinate hedging activities with the trading desk
- Planning & Strategy
- Lead the annual budgeting process and maintain rolling forecasts
- Provide financial input into strategic planning, new market entry, and business development initiatives
- Identify and drive process improvements, cost optimisation, and operational efficiencies
- Team Leadership
- Oversee and coordinate with the India-based shared services team on payment processing, reporting, and data analytics
- Provide financial oversight of EU operations as and when they are established, ensuring consistent controls and reporting standards
- Mentor and develop finance team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
- Act as a trusted business partner to the CEO, MD, and trading leadership
Requirements
- Degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related discipline.
- 5-7 years of experience in FP&A, financial analysis, or business partnering roles.
- Experience in commodity trading, food processing, or agricultural supply chains strongly preferred.
- Strong financial modelling and Excel skills.
- Experience with ERP systems and BI tools (Power BI, Tableau or similar) is highly desirable.
- Solid understanding of commodity trading P&L mechanics, including physical trading, pricing, hedging, and logistics costs.
- Experience in manufacturing, packing, or processing environments is a strong advantage.
- Fluent English required; German highly desirable for local stakeholder interaction.
- Familiarity with Austrian accounting standards (UGB) or EU reporting frameworks is a plus.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-linked bonus.
- The opportunity to work across both a trading desk and a physical processing business.
- Exposure to international commodity markets and cross-border operations.
- A dynamic and entrepreneurial environment in the heart of Vienna.
Financial Controller - Coffee Trading employer: Torqcommodities
Contact Detail:
Torqcommodities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller - Coffee Trading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the coffee trading industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial operations. Show us you understand the coffee trading landscape and how your skills can help scale their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial modelling skills! Be ready to discuss how you would approach financial controls and reporting in a dynamic environment like Origin Commodities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows us you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller - Coffee Trading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in commodity trading finance and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at Origin Commodities. Share specific examples of your achievements in financial control and reporting that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of financial analysis, make sure to showcase your analytical skills in your application. Mention any tools or methodologies you’ve used in the past, especially if they relate to commodity trading or financial modelling.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torqcommodities
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to coffee trading, such as P&L mechanics and cash flow forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles to drive business decisions.
✨Understand the Coffee Market
Familiarise yourself with the coffee industry, especially the dynamics of commodity trading. Research current trends, pricing strategies, and the challenges faced by traders. This knowledge will show your genuine interest in the role and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves mentoring and developing team members, so be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and how you've acted as a trusted partner to senior leadership.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about how you would handle financial reporting under tight deadlines or manage cash flow during market fluctuations. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly.