Financial Controller

Financial Controller

Full-Time 60000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Zest Food Jobs

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead finance operations, ensuring accurate reporting and robust controls in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Join a dynamic beverage business with a founder-led entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and the chance to shape financial strategy.
  • Other info: Collaborate with senior leaders and drive performance across various channels.
  • Why this job: Make a tangible impact on a growing company while developing your finance skills.
  • Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with experience in FMCG or product-led businesses.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.

Reporting to

Founder

About the Role

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Financial Controller to join our fast-growing beverage business.

Reporting directly to the Founder, you will play a key role in shaping the financial strategy of the company while supporting the next phase of growth.

This is a hands‑on role suited to someone who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and enjoys partnering with the wider business to drive performance.

As Financial Controller, you will take ownership of the finance function, ensuring robust financial controls while providing commercial insight across manufacturing, operations, retail, e-commerce and wholesale channels.

Working closely with the Founder and senior leadership team, you will help build scalable finance processes, improve reporting and provide the financial insight needed to support strategic decision-making as the business continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the day-to‑day finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting, robust controls and efficient processes across the business.
  • Prepare monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts and cash flow reports, providing clear insight to support commercial and strategic decisions.
  • Manage the month‑end and year‑end close processes, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and statutory requirements.
  • Take ownership of cash flow, working capital and financial planning, helping to manage growth and optimise the company's financial performance.
  • Partner with the Founder and leadership team to provide commercial analysis, financial modelling and performance reporting across retail, e‑commerce and wholesale channels.
  • Analyse sales performance, gross margins, product profitability, promotional spend, manufacturing costs and cost of goods sold (COGS), identifying opportunities to improve profitability.
  • Oversee inventory accounting, stock reconciliations, production costs, VAT, payroll and the day-to‑day financial operations of the business.
  • Develop scalable financial systems, reporting and internal controls that support a high‑growth FMCG environment, including process improvements and finance automation.
  • Manage relationships with auditors, banks, investors and external advisers, while supporting investor reporting, fundraising activities and financial due diligence.
  • Act as a trusted business partner across the organisation, working closely with operations, supply chain, sales and commercial teams to support new product launches, demand planning and business growth.

About You

You'll be a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys working in a fast‑paced, founder‑led business and is excited by the opportunity to make a tangible impact.

Ideally, you will have

  • ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
  • Previous experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or Senior Finance Business Partner.
  • Experience within FMCG, food & drink, beverages, consumer goods, manufacturing or a product‑led business.
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing finance, inventory accounting and gross margin analysis.
  • Experience supporting retail, e‑commerce and wholesale business models.
  • Excellent management accounting, forecasting and cash flow management skills.
  • Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP and modern finance systems.
  • A proactive, hands‑on approach with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge and influence senior leaders.
  • Experience building scalable finance processes within a growing business is highly desirable.
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Zest Food Jobs

Contact Details:

Zest Food Jobs Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Financial Controller

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Zest Food Jobs. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller

Financial Reporting
Financial Controls
Budgeting
Forecasting
Cash Flow Management
Financial Planning
Commercial Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Zest Food Jobs.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Zest Food Jobs's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Zest Food Jobs.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Zest Food Jobs will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Zest Food Jobs employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.