Financial Controller

The Watch House & Co; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Watch House & Co seeks a qualified Financial Controller to ensure the integrity of financial data and support growth across our hospitality business in the UK and US.

You will oversee the monthly close, cash flow forecasting, and lead compliance efforts, including VAT and corporation tax. The ideal candidate is ACA or ACCA qualified, has experience with NetSuite, and thrives in a multi-site environment.

Qualifications

• Must be ACA or ACCA qualified with audit training preferred.
• Experience in a multi-site hospitality or retail environment.
• Proficient with financial reporting and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage finance team across UK and US operations.
• Own the monthly close and deliver accurate management accounts.
• Oversee UK VAT and US sales tax compliance.

Skills

Financial reporting

Cash flow management

External audit coordination

Process improvement

Team leadership

Education

ACA or ACCA qualification

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

We are looking for a qualified Financial Controller (ACA or ACCA) to own the integrity of our numbers and help scale a growing, multi‑site hospitality business operating across the UK and US. This is a hands‑on role. You will run the close, lead audit delivery, manage cash flow forecasting and capex planning, and ensure our finance systems and controls are robust as we grow.

Directly reports into: Finance Director.

Key responsibilities

• LMA – Lead, Manage & Accountability
• Line manage and develop the Accounts Manager and Business Intelligence Manager.
• Run effective weekly 1:1s and quarterly EOS conversations.
• Ensure clear ownership of Rocks, scorecards and finance priorities.
• Create a culture of accountability, follow‑through and continuous improvement.
• Act as day‑to‑day finance lead across UK and US operations.
• Own the monthly close across all UK and US entities.
• Deliver accurate and timely management accounts and Board reporting.
• Maintain full balance sheet integrity, including intercompany positions and eliminations.
• Lead the UK audit process and coordinate external reporting requirements in the US.
• Own relationships with external accountants and auditors in both jurisdictions.
• Own budgets, forecasts and quarterly re‑forecasts across UK, US and franchise operations.
• Maintain a rolling cash flow forecast and working capital visibility.
• Lead CapEx planning, new site appraisals and post‑investment ROI reviews.
• Deliver weekly trading insight across Houses, including labour and margin performance.
• Support strategic decision‑making with clear, forward‑looking analysis.
• Own NetSuite as the core finance system across all entities.
• Ensure robust financial controls across revenue, purchasing, payroll and approvals.
• Maintain disciplined month‑end processes and documentation.
• Improve and document core finance processes to support scale.
• Oversee payroll processes, including review of outsourced payroll outputs and accurate journal postings.
• Tax & Statutory Compliance
• Oversee UK VAT and US sales tax compliance.
• Manage external advisors to deliver corporation tax processes in the UK and US.
• Ensure payroll tax and statutory filings are accurate and on time.
• Oversee Companies House filings and corporate compliance.

Key to this role

• Is ACA or ACCA qualified (audit‑trained preferred)
• Has experience using NetSuite (or similar ERP)
• Has experience in a multi‑site hospitality or retail environment
• Can implement process improvement and strengthen controls
• Can turn numbers into insight and action
• Lives and breathes our core values of passion, drive, diligence and empathy.