Financial Controller

Interim Financial Controller

London | £48,000£60,000 per annum | Six-month fixed-term contract | Full-time

We are a growing multi-site restaurant business based in London and are looking for a hands-on Interim Financial Controller to take ownership of financial reporting, strengthen financial controls and improve the efficiency of our finance processes.

This role would suit an experienced Financial Controller or Senior Management Accountant who combines strong technical accounting knowledge with practical leadership, commercial judgement and a genuine interest in improving systems and ways of working. You will work closely with the Head of Finance and senior management, while leading and supporting a small finance team.

The initial appointment is for six months, with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate.

What you will be responsible for: Own the month-end close process and deliver accurate, timely management accounts and board reporting.

Review financial information critically, investigate variances and provide clear analysis to support business decisions.

Strengthen financial controls, cash management, balance sheet reconciliations and payroll oversight.

Develop and automate reports, trackers and dashboards using Excel and Power Query to reduce manual work and improve accuracy.

Lead, coach and support a small finance team, setting clear priorities and maintaining high standards of delivery.

Partner with operational teams and senior management, translating financial information into practical commercial insight.

Support budgeting, forecasting, year-end audit preparation and other finance projects.

Identify control gaps, inefficiencies and opportunities for process improvement, then take ownership of implementing workable solutions.

The competencies we are looking for: Financial control and technical accuracy: You produce reliable management information, maintain strong controls and pay close attention to detail.

Analytical and commercial judgement: You can interpret financial and operational data, identify the issue behind the numbers and recommend practical action.

Ownership and delivery: You take responsibility for deadlines and outcomes, organise competing priorities and follow work through to completion.

Process improvement: You question inefficient ways of working and can design and implement simpler, more accurate and more automated processes.

Leadership and team development: You set clear expectations, coach colleagues constructively and create accountability within the team.

Communication and stakeholder management: You explain financial information clearly and can work confidently with both finance and operational stakeholders.

Adaptability and resilience: You remain calm in a fast-paced, changing multi-site environment and can move between detailed work and wider priorities.

Experience and skills: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or qualified by substantial relevant experience.

Proven experience preparing management accounts and taking ownership of the month-end close process.

Strong financial control, balance sheet, cash management and reporting experience.

Advanced Excel skills, including experience improving or automating reporting; Power Query experience is strongly preferred.

Experience using Sage or another accounting system.

Previous responsibility for leading, supervising or developing members of a finance team.

A demonstrable track record of improving processes and implementing change.

Experience within hospitality, restaurants, retail or another multi-site business is highly desirable.

Power BI experience and confidence using AI productivity tools would be advantageous.

What we offer: Salary of £48,000£60,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Six-month fixed-term contract with genuine potential to become permanent.

Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 6.00pm, with a one-hour unpaid lunch break.

Complimentary meals during working hours.

50% employee discount on food purchased outside working hours.

Access to an employee benefits and wellbeing platform, including retail discounts and cashback, a confidential employee assistance programme and online GP support.

The opportunity to work directly with senior finance leadership and influence how the finance function develops.

A practical role in which you can make a visible impact on reporting, controls, systems and team capability.

How to apply Please apply with your current CV and a short explanation of your relevant experience, including an example of a finance process, reporting tool or control that you have improved.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The successful candidate will be required to provide evidence of their right to work before employment begins

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