Financial Controller - FTC (Parental leave cover)

Gaia; London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a detail-oriented Financial Controller to cover a parental leave. This role involves managing annual financial accounts and collaborating with various departments to ensure financial alignment. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of fintech operations. You'll lead audit preparations, manage external accountants, and oversee compliance with FCA regulations. With a competitive salary and a commitment to employee well-being, this opportunity promises a dynamic work environment where your contributions will drive strategic decisions.

Benefits

Private Healthcare

Fertility Support

Setup Budget

Annual Personal Development Budget

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with expertise in complex financials.
• Experience in managing audits and group consolidations.

Responsibilities

• Manage monthly close process, including bookkeeping and reconciliations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for financial alignment and reporting.

Skills

Accounting Expertise

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Education

ACCA

ACA

CIMA

ICAEW

Tools

Xero

Job description

Financial Controller - FTC (Parental leave cover)

Join to apply for the Financial Controller - FTC (Parental leave cover) role at Gaia.

The role

We’re looking for a Qualified Accountant / Auditor to provide a 12-month parental leave cover at a company where finance and insurance are at the heart of the product. The Interim Financial Controller will report to the Head of Finance & Credit and be responsible for the annual financial accounts, month-end close process, and for collating, processing, and reporting on all types of finance data across our UK entity.

Who are you?

You have a great eye for detail and care about the quality of work you deliver. You take ownership and collaborate effectively with other parts of the business. You are proactive, a problem solver, and comfortable working with new systems and processes. You thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, are organized, and deadline-driven.

What you will do

• Partner with the Financial Controller for a smooth handover and knowledge transfer.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Operations, Product, and Marketing to maintain financial alignment.
• Manage external accountants for accurate and timely reporting.
• Own the monthly close process, including bookkeeping, management accounts, and reconciliations.
• Lead audit preparation and respond to auditor queries.
• Analyze operational expenses and budget variances monthly, identifying trends and risks.
• Provide insights into company performance to support strategic decisions.
• Oversee intercompany transactions and maintain accurate reconciliations.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable processes.
• Ensure FCA compliance and assist with regulatory filings.
• Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and scalability.

What we are looking for:

• Deep technical accounting expertise and comfort with complex financials.
• Proven track record of high-quality delivery under pressure.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to focus on details and communicate key insights.
• Understanding of how fintech businesses operate and scale.
• Fully qualified: ACCA / ACA / CIMA / ICAEW.
• Experience working with Xero and managing audits.
• Proven experience with group consolidations.
• Familiarity with US GAAP (a plus).
• Exposure to financial products like lending or insurance (a plus).

What’s on offer

We offer a salary range of £65,000–£75,000, depending on experience and fit. At Gaia, we prioritize your well-being and motivation, offering private healthcare, fertility support, and other benefits. Additionally, new hires receive a setup budget and an annual personal development budget to enhance your skills and knowledge. We are committed to recognizing and rewarding exceptional performance.