Interim Financial Controller in London

_{15th April, 2026}

Interim Financial Controller

• Central London
• £60,000 – £70,000 per annum
• Interim for 2/3 months or Interim to Perm
• Office‑based 4 days a week
• ASAP / short notice start

We are hiring for a growing retail business in Central London with a short-term need for a Financial Controller. You will oversee the finance function and support senior stakeholders for the next 2-3 months whilst they hire a permanent person.

This could also be an interim to permanent role.

You will report to the Finance Director and take ownership of tasks in this SME, where your role will have broad accounting responsibilities. The current processes are manual, and there is a need for the Interim to have Xero experience to help better utilise the system and start to make suggestions for process improvement.

Main duties

• Lead the finance function, managing 2 Accounts Assistants
• Produce accurate financial reporting
• Monitor cashflow, ensuring timely collection of sales invoices and payment of supplier invoices
• Quarterly VAT returns
• Administer monthly payroll, including commission checks
• Budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
• Liaise with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders
• Drive improvements in finance processes and internal controls

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
• Proven team management skills
• Xero experience is essential
• Highly organised, proactive, and hands‑on
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience in Sage Payroll, VAT and retail or stock‑based environments preferred but not essential
• Available immediately or at short notice to join as an interim quickly