At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance function, drive performance insights, and build robust financial controls.
- Company: Rapidly scaling, founder-led consumer brand in the FMCG sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunity for significant impact.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a growing company and shape its financial future.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with 3+ years in senior finance roles.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Zanda is an Executive Search partner working exclusively with high-growth start-ups and scale-ups as they strengthen their organisations with senior talent. Zanda partners with VCs, Founders, CEOs, and CFOs to deliver critical leadership appointments, on both an interim and permanent basis, at pivotal moments of growth.
We are supporting a rapidly scaling, founder-led consumer brand operating across the UK and EU, with complex logistics, multi-entity structures and high-volume inventory at its core. The business is entering a critical phase of growth and requires a commercially astute finance leader to safeguard financial integrity, drive performance insight and build institutional-grade controls. This is a no1 role and will be the indispensable operational and strategic partner to the Founders.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- You will take full ownership of the finance function, building robust forecasting, controls and reporting processes to support UK and EU growth.
- This is a hands‑on leadership role combining commercial insight, financial rigour and operational control.
- Own the annual budget and rolling 12‑month forecast, driving robust assumptions across sales, pricing, COGS and overheads.
- Lead detailed margin and profitability analysis by product, channel and market, identifying opportunities to improve performance.
- Build strategic financial models covering capex, logistics changes and fundraising scenarios.
- Manage the full month‑end, quarter‑end and year‑end close, delivering accurate management accounts and investor‑ready reporting.
- Take tight control of working capital, including inventory, receivables and payables, optimising cash flow and minimising stock risk.
- Oversee statutory reporting, VAT/tax compliance and multi‑entity consolidation across the UK and EU.
- Design and implement scalable processes, controls and SOPs across the business.
- Act as ERP owner and super user, ensuring accurate integration between stock and financial ledgers.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Fully Qualified Accountant: ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent is a must.
- Minimum 3+ years’ experience in a senior accountant or Financial Controller role within CPG/FMCG.
- Deep, practical understanding of COGS, landed costs, variance analysis and high‑volume stock management.
- Strong experience in multi‑currency accounting and complex consolidations.
- Advanced Excel and Office 365 capability, including Power Query and Power BI.
- ERP experience essential; Unleashed experience advantageous.
- A builder, not a maintainer. Comfortable challenging assumptions, implementing controls and translating financial insight for non‑finance founders.
- Comfortable operating at pace. Mission‑driven, but grounded firmly in cash flow, margin discipline and financial reality.
Finance Lead | Series A | FMCG employer: Zanda
Zanda is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where finance professionals can thrive in a rapidly scaling consumer brand. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, providing opportunities to lead critical financial strategies that directly impact the business's success across the UK and EU. Employees benefit from a hands-on leadership role that not only enhances their skills but also allows them to make meaningful contributions to the company's mission-driven objectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Lead | Series A | FMCG
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their financial challenges and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them navigate growth. Tailor your examples to show you’re the perfect fit for their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise with a portfolio of your work. Whether it’s financial models, reports, or strategic plans, having tangible evidence of your achievements can set you apart from other candidates. Let your numbers do the talking!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities that could be just what you’re looking for. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Lead | Series A | FMCG
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Finance Lead. Highlight your experience in financial controls, forecasting, and any relevant FMCG background. We want to see how your skills align 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 hands-on leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance insight and built robust financial processes in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your advanced Excel skills and any ERP experience you have. We’re looking for someone who can handle complex consolidations and multi-currency accounting, so make sure these skills are front and centre!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zanda
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Lead, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics like COGS, margin analysis, and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about being a hands-on leader. Prepare examples of how you've built teams or processes in the past. Highlight your ability to challenge assumptions and implement controls while still being approachable to non-finance founders.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the FMCG sector and the specific challenges it faces, especially in high-volume inventory management. Being able to speak knowledgeably about industry trends will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic partner.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial scenarios, such as managing working capital or optimising cash flow. Think through your approach to these situations and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.
