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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial processes and reporting across 14 sites while managing a team of 3.
- Company: Join Wahaca, the leading Mexican restaurant in the UK with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous discounts, and exciting perks like a flight to Mexico.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while enjoying a fun and dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in multi-site organisations; hospitality experience is a plus.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values integrity, fun, and creating lasting memories.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
Role Overview
- Location: Taco Towers (Oxford Circus based office) and in our restaurants
- Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
- Salary: £75-90k + 20% bonus
- Reports to: Head of Finance
- Direct Reports: 3
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Financial Controller to lead a team of 3 on financial processes and reporting across our 14 sites. This role is key in ensuring that those financial processes are efficient and well controlled, that periodic reporting is accurate and timely, and the finance team is supported in their growth and development. You will also provide cross-functional support to the wider business, using your expertise to problem solve, shed light on what financial analysis is telling us and ensure processes are understood and set up for success.
What You Will Do
Responsibilities around the role include:
- Internal Reporting
- Managing the internal period end reporting process ensuring key deadlines are met and accurate P&Ls are sent across our multiple sites and central support functions
- Presenting on internal results to key stakeholders as well as preparing consolidated management accounts and reporting for external investors
- Preparing weekly reporting of sales, GP & labour for inclusion in management pack, including any ad-hoc analysis required
- Business Partnering
- Business partnering with non-finance teams across the business including Operations, Marketing and HR to analyse key costs and provide revenue insights to drive the top line
- Working closely with our Property Manager on CAPEX spend and maintaining detailed forecasts for CAPEX projects such as new site openings and existing site fit outs
- Delivering training for all new managers coming into the business to give them an understanding of the finance function and how to understand their P&Ls
- Team Management & Development
- Managing, coaching, and developing three direct reports who work across Management Accounting, Sales Reporting, Payroll and AP
- Supporting the fortnightly and four weekly payroll process for over 700 employees
- Supporting the AP function to ensure our suppliers are paid on time whilst maximising working capital and continuously developing and improving our controls and processes across P2P
- Financial Control
- Maintaining weekly cash flow actuals and forecasts ensuring relevant stakeholders are aware of our position and advised on key decisions
- Reviewing the balance sheet on a periodic basis, highlighting risks & opportunities
- Supporting with the annual budget process with detailed week by week analysis on sales. This includes preparing the site by site and consolidated P&Ls for presentation to the MD and shareholders for final sign off. Managing reforecasts throughout the year as and when needed also
- External Reporting
- Overseeing the annual external audit for our 2 UK legal entities, taking ownership of the preparation and finalisation of the FRS 102 financial statements
- Managing the preparation and review of the quarterly VAT returns
- Other
- Working on ad-hoc projects to drive cost savings within the business where appropriate – for example, retendering of systems and professional services
Desired Experience and Profile
- Experienced Financial Controller in a multi-site organisation - experience in hospitality is a plus but not essential
- Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA)
- Excellent communicator, both written and verbal, across all levels of the business
- Happy to dig into the detail, while also able to step back and review the bigger picture
- Experience in managing a team who are keen to learn and develop
- Confidence in using a range of tech & systems across finance, payroll & sales (Aqilla, Fourth (including Fourth Analytics), Toast, Tenzo)
- Advanced Excel proficiency with ability to automate and streamline workbooks
About Wahaca
Wahaca is the leading Mexican restaurant in the UK, founded by Thomasina Miers (Masterchef winner) and Mark Selby. Inspired by their time in Mexico and a mission to prove to the UK just how vibrant and delicious Mexican food is, championing great British produce and sourcing ingredients locally. Wahaca remains deeply rooted in the values set by our founders. By showing pride, staying humble, choosing integrity, having fun, and thinking positively, our team serves a taste of Mexican sunshine. With an upbeat atmosphere and chef made dishes, we believe that every meal should be an adventure, every guest a friend, and every moment an opportunity to create lasting memories.
Wahaca Perks
- Hybrid working (3 days in office)
- Generous discount on passing probation
- Flight to Mexico after 2 years service
- 4 week sabbatical after 5 years service
- Regular social events, including an all company annual festival
Financial Controller in London employer: Wahaca
Contact Detail:
Wahaca Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in multi-site organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding of the hospitality sector. Be ready to discuss how you can improve financial processes and reporting, as well as how you can support cross-functional teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When talking about your experience, highlight how you've managed and developed teams. Employers love to see candidates who can inspire and grow their team members.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our vibrant Wahaca family.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in financial processes, team management, and any relevant tech skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at Wahaca. Share specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an experienced Financial Controller, you'll need to communicate effectively across all levels. Make sure your application reflects your strong written communication skills. We love clear and concise language that gets straight to the point!
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 the best experience possible. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our Wahaca family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wahaca
✨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 data to drive decisions in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've managed P&Ls and contributed to financial reporting.
✨Showcase Your Team Management Skills
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to talk about your management style. Share specific instances where you've coached or developed team members, and how you foster a collaborative environment. Highlight any training initiatives you've implemented.
✨Understand the Business
Wahaca values cross-functional collaboration, so research their operations, marketing, and HR functions. Be ready to discuss how you can partner with these teams to provide financial insights that drive revenue. Show that you understand the hospitality industry, even if it's not your primary background.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about financial systems and tools, especially those mentioned in the job description like Aqilla and Fourth. Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly around automation and streamlining processes. Being able to speak confidently about your technical expertise will set you apart.
