Financial Controller

Drinkability; Kilmarnock; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A premium whisky brand in Kilmarnock seeks a Financial Controller to lead their finance function. This senior role involves overseeing reporting, budgeting, and strategic planning while collaborating closely with the MD. Candidates should hold a relevant accounting qualification and be adept in both technical finance and commercial strategy. This is an opportunity to join a unique and ambitious business with a competitive salary and flexible working options.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Pension scheme

Staff discount on products

Flexible working potential

Qualifications

• Experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and cashflow management.
• Ability to challenge assumptions and shape strategy.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder interaction.

Responsibilities

• Lead all core finance operations including monthly reporting and forecasting.
• Support the MD with strategic planning and board-level financial reporting.
• Champion systems improvement and automation.

Skills

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Cashflow management

Strategic planning

Strong communication

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)

Tools

SAGE

Job description

Shape the Future of a Premium Whisky Brand - From the Ledger to the Boardroom

Lochlea is not your average distillery. They are a pioneering Single Estate Single Malt Whisky producer based in Ayrshire, where every step of the journey, from field to bottle, is done on-site with integrity, purpose, and passion.

Now, as they build momentum and drive forward with their long-term growth strategy, they are seeking a Financial Controller who is both technically strong and commercially astute.

You'll lead the finance function with precision, delivering accurate reporting and financial controls. But you'll also be the MD's right hand when it comes to understanding the meaning behind the numbers, bringing insight, challenge, and strategic thinking to help them grow smarter, leaner, and stronger.

If you're a qualified accountant who loves to roll up your sleeves but also enjoys stepping back to see the big picture, this is a rare opportunity to embed yourself in a truly unique whisky business with global ambitions.

The Role

You'll be more than just the numbers person. This is a high-impact, senior role where you'll oversee everything from management accounts, cashflow, and budgeting to advising on pricing, operations, export strategy, and investment decisions.

As part of a close-knit leadership team, you'll get under the bonnet of the business, working directly with the MD to guide long-term planning, improve performance, and spot opportunities before others do.

This is ideal for someone with both a strong technical foundation and the commercial curiosity to dig deeper and ask the right questions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all core finance operations: monthly reporting, reconciliations, forecasting, and statutory compliance
• Deliver clear, insightful management accounts and performance dashboards that drive decisions
• Support the MD with strategic planning, scenario modelling, and board-level financial reporting
• Analyse product margins, pricing, stock valuation, and customer/channel profitability
• Oversee HR, payroll, contracts, insurance, and risk management with the same high standards
• Work with production to refine costing and batch valuation for casks, inventory, and future releases
• Champion systems improvement, automation, and efficiency using SAGE and integrated tools

What We're Looking For

You'll thrive in this role if you are:

• Technically grounded - a fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with strong experience in reporting, budgeting, tax, and cashflow management
• Commercially curious - able to dig into the numbers, challenge assumptions, and help shape strategy
• Hands-on and pragmatic - comfortable rolling up your sleeves in a fast-moving SME environment
• A strong communicator - confident working with the MD, department leads, and external stakeholders
• Detail-driven but big-picture focused - you know how to balance accuracy with insight

Bonus points for experience in:

• Premium spirits, FMCG, artisan production, or export-driven businesses
• Stock management, bonded warehouses, or customs/export finance
• Working in founder-led or owner-managed businesses

Why Join Lochlea?

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Pension scheme
• Staff discount on products
• Flexible working potential
• A strategic leadership role in a premium, values-led whisky business with a bold vision

Lochlea is a business with heritage, ambition, and integrity. If you want to be part of something meaningful, where your financial insight will drive real decisions, I'd love to hear from you.