Financial Controller in London, London

We are working with one of the top players operating in the catering industry. They have been providing thousands of meals across the country for generations, and have recently expanded to a power house of the sector.

This is a pivotal new position within the business. The company is seeking a hands-on, commercially astute Financial Controller to take full ownership of its financial operations. The role will act as a true business partner to the Board, responsible for delivering insightful management accounts, supporting commercial strategy, and providing the leadership required to build and mentor a high-performing finance team.

This is a hybrid role, combining core controllership responsibilities—such as management accounting and reporting—with a more strategic, forward-looking commercial focus.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Control & Reporting

• Assume overall responsibility for the company’s accounting function, including the delivery of accurate and timely monthly management accounts, complete with detailed variance analysis and Board-level commentary.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts, aligning financial targets with the Board’s strategic objectives.
• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and salary costings.
• Manage day-to-day financial operations, including cash flow forecasting, cash and card reconciliations, stock reconciliation, and purchase ledger reconciliation.
• Ensure all reconciliations are robust and complete, including VAT, intercompany, and full balance sheet reconciliations.

Commercial Finance & Strategy

• Act as a commercial finance business partner to the senior leadership team, contributing to strategic decision-making, including potential mergers and growth initiatives.
• Analyse sales and profit performance against forecasts, developing and refining KPIs to enhance business planning and performance.
• Partner with operations to model and optimise profitability across multiple revenue streams.
• Leverage and interrogate POS data to generate real-time commercial insights, identifying opportunities for revenue growth and cost efficiencies.
• Apply a structured and analytical approach to simplify and add value to the company’s complex subsidiary structure and financial models.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing finance function, including managing the existing Finance Assistant and supporting their ongoing development.
• Establish a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and professional growth within the team.
• Identify future hiring needs and build a case for expanding the team in line with business growth.

Stakeholder Management

• Manage the relationship with external accountants, ensuring an efficient and well-coordinated year-end process.
• Provide accurate, timely, and insightful financial information to the Board.

Person Specification

• Professionally qualified (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent) is preferred but not essential; candidates with strong relevant experience and a proven track record will also be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in a senior financial management role, ideally within high-volume, low-margin sectors such as catering, hospitality, or food retail/QSR.
• Experience within multi-site or franchise environments is highly advantageous.
• Proficiency in cloud-based accounting systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including financial modelling and data analysis.
• Experience working with POS systems and large data sets is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of business models involving management fees, retail/QSR operations, and multi-site structures.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Highly analytical and structured, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to simplify complex financial information.
• Effective leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage, motivate, and develop teams.
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence operating at Board level.
• Proactive and hands-on, with a willingness to engage in detail while maintaining a strategic perspective.
• Driven and resilient, able to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and challenge existing ways of working.