Financial Controller

A rapidly growing international franchise business is undergoing a period of significant transformation. With recent expansion across multiple European markets and continued backing from private investors, the business is focused on building a robust, future-fit operating platform.

As part of this journey, it is seeking a Financial Controller to lead the development of a lean, commercial, and scalable finance function to support its next phase of growth.

The Opportunity

This is not a “steady-state” controller role. It’s a build-it-better-from-scratch opportunity for a sharp, strategic, and tech-savvy finance leader who can:

• Design and implement lean, scalable, largely automated processes.
• Drive visibility, accuracy, and insight across multi-unit P&Ls.
• Partner closely with senior leaders to influence decision-making.
• Lead a small but high-performing team across multiple territories.

Core Responsibilities

Finance Infrastructure

• Own and optimise all core finance operations, systems, and workflows.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, and cash flow planning.
• Ensure balance sheet integrity, compliance, and clean audits.

Commercial Impact

• Translate data into actionable insight — fast.
• Support strategic projects and business cases across Europe.
• Champion commercial thinking across the organisation.

Leadership

• Build, mentor, and lead a talented team.
• Shape a culture of clarity, ownership, and delivery.
• Be a key voice at the table with senior partners and stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Track record as Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager in a fast-paced, multi-unit environment (hospitality, retail or franchise experience preferred)
• Strong systems mindset — ideally experienced in process automation and finance tech stack implementations
• Commercial acumen, operational confidence, and ability to influence cross-functionally
• High energy, high ownership, low ego — and a good sense of humour

What’s in It for You

• Competitive base salary (DOE)
• Annual bonus
• Car allowance or travel stipend
• Private healthcare, pension, life assurance
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Flexible working model
• A rare opportunity to build something from the ground up