Business Controller

Torq Commodities; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading commodities firm in the UK is seeking a Business Controller for the Coffee & Glatz Operations. The successful candidate will manage financial controlling, performance management, and decision support across the trading desk. Responsibilities include preparing P&L reports, leading budgeting processes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Candidates should possess 2–4 years of relevant experience, strong skills in Excel and P&L management, and knowledge of commodity trading, particularly in coffee and agri-commodities. This role offers competitive compensation and growth opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in Controlling, Finance, or Business Analytics.
• Strong exposure to commodity trading or food sectors.
• Experience in trading environments is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and monitor P&L by desk, origin, product, and counterparty.
• Lead annual budgeting and rolling forecasts for commodities.
• Prepare monthly management reports for senior leadership.

Skills

Financial controlling and performance management

Commodity trading knowledge

Advanced Excel and financial modeling

Tools

ERP systems

Trading platforms

Job description

Role Purpose

The Business Controller – Coffee & Glatz Operations is responsible for financial steering, performance controlling, and decision support across the coffee trading desk and Glatz-related commodity operations.
The role acts as a business partner to traders and management, ensuring transparency on margins, risk exposure, working capital, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Controlling & Performance Management

• Prepare and monitor P&L by desk, origin, product, and counterparty
• Track gross margins, contribution margins, and cost drivers
• Analyze variance vs. budget, forecast, and prior periods
• Support pricing decisions with cost and margin simulations

2. Trading & Commodity Controlling (Coffee / Grains,Edible Nuts)

• Monitor trading positions, mark-to-market (MTM), and exposure
• Control hedging effectiveness and futures vs physical alignment
• Track origin costs, logistics, processing, and financing costs
• Support traders with deal profitability analysis

3. Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Planning

• Lead annual budgeting and rolling forecasts for coffee & Glatz
• Develop scenario analyses (price volatility, FX, volume shifts)
• Support strategic planning and growth initiatives

4. Working Capital & Cash Flow Management

• Monitor inventory levels, financing needs, and cash conversion cycle
• Coordinate with Trade Finance on credit lines and collateral
• Support borrowing base reporting where applicable

5. Reporting & Governance

• Prepare monthly management reports for senior leadership
• Ensure data accuracy across ERP, trading systems, and reporting tools
• Support audits, internal controls, and compliance requirements

6. Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a trusted finance partner to Trading, Operations, QA, and Supply Chain
• Liaise with Group Finance, Accounting, and External Advisors
• Support post-merger / integration topics related to Glatz entities

Professional Background

• 2–4 years of experience in Controlling, Finance, or Business Analytics
• Strong exposure to commodity trading, coffee, agri-commodities, or food
• Experience in trading environments is a strong advantage

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of P&L, MTM, hedging, FX, and working capital
• Advanced Excel / financial modeling skills
• Experience with ERP systems and trading platforms
• Familiarity with Swiss / EU accounting environments (advantage)

• Strategic role close to trading and decision-making
• Exposure to coffee markets and global commodity flows
• International environment with growth opportunities
• Competitive compensation package