Financial Controller in London

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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:

• Someone who is ACA or ACCA qualified (audit-trained preferred).
• Has experience using Netsuite (or similar ERP).
• Has experience in a multi-site hospitality or retail environment.
• Can implement process improvement and strengthen controls.
• Can turn numbers into insight and action.
• Lives and breathes our core values of passion, drive, diligence and empathy.

Working at WatchHouse

WatchHouse was born from a passion to do better. Diligence and attention to detail are paramount to what we do, we focus on the detail. We strive for perfection. We really care.

We are a people first business, curious and interested in those around us. We treat everyone with respect. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, equality is insisted and inclusion expected.

A company where we believe in having the right person in the role; personality and individuality at the top of the list of what we are looking for in applications and throughout our hiring process.

We also know that everyone is different, and we value and respect diversity, standing up for equality and standing against any form of discrimination.

Decisions about and the treatment of people at work should be based on the individual's abilities, skills, performance, and behaviour- these should be assessed against the WatchHouse job description requirements for each individual role.

We are always patient and considerate towards others. Encouraging, approachable and communicating brilliantly. We strive to be the best we can be, by giving and receiving regular and honest feedback in a professional manner.

We plan, prioritise and are mindful and respect the time of others. We complete every task to the best of our ability. Always happy to ask for help, work in cohesion with other people/departments and share successes.

We work to make WatchHouse an environment of trust and comradery, where others are inspired to play their part in working effectively together. Building strong relationships with others and demonstrating positive energy. We recognise and value the contribution of others across the business, working together to deliver the Modern Coffee experience to each and every person touched by our business.

Our four core values - passion, can do, diligence and empathy - are what make WatchHouse who we are. Our decisions are made based on these principles. To grow and succeed at WatchHouse, it is imperative that these values also resonate strongly with you and can drive your ambition in the same way they do ours.