At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure accuracy across our growing hospitality business.
- Company: Join WatchHouse, a people-first company that values diversity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that prioritises respect, continuous improvement, and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving financial strategy in a multi-site operation.
- Qualifications: ACA or ACCA qualified with experience in hospitality or retail finance.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a qualified Financial Controller (ACA or ACCA) to own the integrity of our numbers and help scale a growing, multi‐site hospitality business operating across the UK and US. This is a hands‐on role. You will run the close, lead audit delivery, manage cash flow forecasting and capex planning, and ensure our finance systems and controls are robust as we grow.
You will line‐manage our Accounts Manager and Business Intelligence Manager and work closely with Operations, Property and senior leadership to ensure finance is clear, commercial and actionable.
LMA – Lead, Manage & Accountability
- Line manage and develop the Accounts Manager and Business Intelligence Manager.
- Run effective weekly 1:1s and quarterly EOS conversations.
- Ensure clear ownership of Rocks, scorecards and finance priorities.
- Create a culture of accountability, follow‐through and continuous improvement.
- Act as day‐to‐day finance lead across UK and US operations.
Financial Reporting
- Own the monthly close across all UK and US entities.
- Deliver accurate and timely management accounts and Board reporting.
- Maintain full balance sheet integrity, including intercompany positions and eliminations.
- Lead the UK audit process and coordinate external reporting requirements in the US.
- Own relationships with external accountants and auditors in both jurisdictions.
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Own budgets, forecasts and quarterly reforecasts across UK, US and franchise operations.
- Maintain a rolling cash flow forecast and working capital visibility.
- Lead CapEx planning, new site appraisals and post‐investment ROI reviews.
- Deliver weekly trading insight across Houses, including labour and margin performance.
- Support strategic decision‐making with clear, forward‐looking analysis.
Financial Systems & Controls
- Own NetSuite as the core finance system across all entities.
- Ensure robust financial controls across revenue, purchasing, payroll and approvals.
- Maintain disciplined month‐end processes and documentation.
- Improve and document core finance processes to support scale.
- Oversee payroll processes, including review of outsourced payroll outputs and accurate journal postings.
Tax & Statutory Compliance
- Oversee UK VAT and US sales tax compliance.
- Manage external advisors to deliver corporation tax processes in the UK and US.
- Ensure payroll tax and statutory filings are accurate and on time.
- Oversee Companies House filings and corporate compliance.
Key to this role
- ACA or ACCA qualified (audit‐trained preferred).
- Experience using NetSuite (or similar ERP).
- Experience in a multi‐site hospitality or retail environment.
- Ability to implement process improvement and strengthen controls.
- Ability to turn numbers into insight and action.
- Lives and breathes our core values of passion, drive, diligence and empathy.
WatchHouse is a people‐first business that values diversity, equality and inclusion. We foster an environment of respect, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Compensation: Competitive salary.
Finance Controller in London employer: WatchHouse - Support Office
At WatchHouse, we pride ourselves on being a people-first employer that champions diversity, equality, and inclusion. As a Financial Controller, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that encourages collaboration and continuous improvement, while also benefiting from competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth across our multi-site operations in the UK and US.
Contact Details:
WatchHouse - Support Office Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Controller in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those in hospitality. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your numbers inside out. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed cash flow forecasting or led audits in previous roles. Show us you can turn numbers into actionable insights!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a quick email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on our radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills! If you’ve managed teams before, share specific examples of how you’ve developed others and created a culture of accountability. We love seeing candidates who can inspire!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Controller in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your ACA or ACCA qualifications and any relevant experience in multi-site hospitality or retail environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Numbers Game:In your application, don’t just list your responsibilities; show us how you’ve turned numbers into actionable insights. We love candidates who can demonstrate their impact on financial reporting and planning!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get to the point while still showcasing your passion for finance and our core values.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at WatchHouse - Support Office
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise with numbers. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Show them you can turn numbers into actionable insights!
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the hospitality industry, especially multi-site operations. Research WatchHouse's business model and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you speak their language and show that you're genuinely interested in their success.
✨Show Leadership Skills
You'll be managing teams, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or improved processes. Highlight your ability to create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their finance systems, challenges they face, and how they envision the role evolving. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
