Financial Controller

Harper May Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services recruitment firm is seeking a Financial Controller for a rapidly scaling AI start-up. The ideal candidate will lead the finance function, establish robust financial processes, and support growth initiatives. Candidates should be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with experience in high-growth tech environments, particularly in AI or SaaS. Strong accounting, financial control skills, and the ability to work strategically and hands-on are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong post-qualified experience in finance roles.
• Experience within a high-growth start-up, preferably in tech.
• Proven ability to implement and improve financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts.
• Build scalable financial processes and reporting frameworks.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modelling.
• Manage compliance with financial regulations and audits.
• Provide reporting and analysis to stakeholders.
• Own financial systems and data integrity.
• Collaborate with teams to support business development.
• Assist with funding rounds and investor reporting.
• Oversee transactional finance and develop a finance team.

Skills

Technical accounting

Financial control

Excel skills

Commercial awareness

Detail-oriented

Education

ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified

Job description

Overview

Harper May is partnering with a cutting-edge AI start-up that is rapidly scaling its operations and product reach. As the company builds momentum in the market, they are seeking a commercially astute Financial Controller to establish and lead the finance function, ensuring robust financial processes and supporting strategic growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow
• Build scalable financial processes, controls, and reporting frameworks to support rapid growth
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modelling across departments
• Manage compliance with financial regulations and prepare for external audits
• Provide regular reporting and analysis to founders, board members, and investors
• Own financial systems and data integrity, implementing improvements as the company scales
• Collaborate with product, operations, and commercial teams to support business case development
• Assist with funding rounds, financial due diligence, and investor reporting
• Oversee transactional finance and support the development of a small finance team as the company grows

Key Requirements

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified with strong post-qualified experience
• Experience within a high-growth start-up, preferably in the AI, SaaS, or wider tech sector
• Strong understanding of technical accounting and financial control in a scaling business
• Proven ability to implement and improve finance systems and reporting tools
• Commercially minded, confident working with founders and external stakeholders
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and strong Excel skills
• Comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on in a lean team environment