Interim Head of Finance | Luxury Retail | East Sussex

Harmonic, Inc.; Kemp Town Estate; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast‑growing wellness brand in the UK is searching for a Financial Controller to oversee financial operations. This role will involve managing the month-end close, internal and external reporting, and guiding a junior finance team. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant with experience in scaling businesses. This is a 6-month day-rate contract with the possibility of becoming a permanent position. Strong experience in e-commerce and multi-channel business models is preferred.

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Proven scale‑up journey experience.
• Comfortable working hands‑on and independently when required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls.
• Lead the month‑end close process and produce monthly management accounts.
• Manage all internal and external reporting.
• Act as primary contact for auditors and support statutory accounts preparation.
• Provide financial performance insight and variance analysis to support commercial decision‑making.
• Oversee VAT returns and liaise with external tax consultants.
• Ensure compliance across all statutory requirements.
• Monitor and forecast cashflow to support business planning.
• Support forecasting and provision analysis.
• Provide day‑to‑day support, coaching and oversight to more junior team members.
• Contribute to building a scalable, high‑performing finance function.

Job description

This is a broad, hands‑on role that will work directly with the CFO while providing oversight and support to several junior finance team members. As the business continues to scale, the Finance function requires an experienced leader who can balance day‑to‑day rigour with strategic oversight. You'll take ownership of the full finance landscape, from month‑end close and statutory reporting to cashflow, controls and stock, while also helping guide the business through its next phase of growth.

Duties:

• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls.
• Lead the month‑end close process and produce monthly management accounts.
• Manage all internal and external reporting.
• Act as primary contact for auditors and support statutory accounts preparation.
• Provide financial performance insight and variance analysis to support commercial decision‑making.
• Oversee VAT returns and liaise with external tax consultants.
• Ensure compliance across all statutory requirements.
• Monitor and forecast cashflow to support business planning.
• Support forecasting and provision analysis.
• Provide day‑to‑day support, coaching and oversight to more junior team members.
• Contribute to building a scalable, high‑performing finance function.

Qualifications:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Proven scale‑up journey experience.
• Comfortable working hands‑on and independently when required.

Bonus Skills:

• Experience in retail and/or e‑commerce; D2C experience strongly preferred.
• Exposure to multi‑channel business models and fast‑growth environments.

Harmonic is delighted to be partnering with a fast‑growing, purpose‑led wellness brand, to appoint a Financial Controller on a 6‑month day‑rate contract, with the potential to transition into a permanent role. Operating a multi‑channel, omnichannel business model, our client are known for selling online D2C, through premium retail partners, and select international distributors. Their award‑winning range of collagen, blends and supplements has positioned them as one of the most innovative brands in the health and wellness space. Over the past few years, the business has seen rapid and sustained growth, reaching a multi‑million turnover and scaling a team of around 35‑45 employees across Finance, Operations, Marketing, Product and Customer Experience. Their expansion is supported by a loyal and fast‑growing customer base who share the brand's commitment to wellbeing and sustainability. As a B‑Corp, they hold themselves to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. Their values shape not only the products they create, but also how they run the business and support their team.